There will be an open house for therapy dogs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, June 22, at South Florida Baptist Hospital’s Community Conference Room, 301 N. Alexander St.
After being trained, pet therapy dogs interact with patients at the hospital and can help reduce anxiety, depression and fatigue. The dogs provide comfort, entertainment and a positive distraction, not just to the patient but to friends and family that are visiting.
A prospective therapy dog must love people and other dogs, be at least one year old and have basic obedience skills. The open house is for pet owners only, not their dogs; potential therapy dogs will be evaluated at another time. For more information, contact Cassandra Banning at (813) 716-0950; Tracy Sanderson at (813) 714-6430; or Mary Post at (727) 255-4469.