New Friends Preschool Program at Happiness House Offers Innovative Pet Therapy Program

Happiness House’s New Friends Preschool Program is pleased to be partnering with Lynn Anania of Geneva, and her dog, Phoebe, to institute an exciting pet therapy program to the agency’s preschool children with special needs. The innovative pet therapy program is through Therapy Dogs International, Inc. and is entitled “Tail Waggin’ Tutors.” Happiness House, in conjunction with Ms. Anania, is thrilled to be offering this unique pet therapy program.

The “Tail Waggin’ Tutors” program is the first of its kind to be offered within the Finger Lakes region. The program’s premise centers upon joining children, dogs and books in an effort to increase a child’s reading skill and overall literary confidence in a relaxing environment. The children have the opportunity to read aloud to the dogs, who are trained to be patient listeners and provide support for the child. Our preschoolers at Happiness House have formed an instant bond with Phoebe and look forward to their monthly opportunity to share a favorite book with her. “Tail Waggin’ Tutors” has proven to be a phenomenal program with visible benefits for all involved!

To request more information on Happiness House’s “Tail Waggin’ Tutors program please contact Christine Shultz at (315) 789-6828.

Happiness House- Finger Lakes Cerebral Palsy Association is a private nonprofit health and human service agency that has been serving communities in the Finger Lakes region in Upstate New York since 1969. Today with sites in Geneva, Canandaigua, Gorham, and Waterloo, Happiness House offers an array of educational program, recreational and family support services for children and adults with and without disabilities who reside in Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties. On average Happiness House serves 1,000 individuals and their families each year.

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