Close to Home by John McPherson for February 25, 2024

whatever makes the patient feel better i guess…at least it’s not one of those trick leashes with the empty collar!

Hey, it’s still a dog.

He will find out when he gets denied admission into stores and government buildings since it’s not a real service dog.

This dog looks friendly.

Those two are kindred spirits.

“All dogs are therapy dogs. They’re just not all certified.” ~~anon.

Nice lookin’ dog, looks like a Golden… good choice.

But I’ll stick with my E.S.A.

Even better!

Wouldn’t a placebo dog be a person who identifies as a dog? Lol

Most dogs are placebo dogs.

Any dog can make you feel better

therapy … placebo … with a dog they can be the same

OMG, I am laughing!

A placebo…is that like a Heinz’s 57?

I’m sure they’ll both be happy together! ☺️❤️

any dog is a support dog, just depends on what you plan doing!

Misuse of the term “ therapy dog”. Not the same as an Emotional Support Dog.

Service dog= trained for a specific task to tasks, ranging from physical support to seizure alert. By law, can go anywhere their human goes. Requires professional training, as well as extensive testing and carefully chosen for temperament and ability to do the tasks required.

Therapy dog= dog trained and tested to visit and provide comfort to people in hospitals, nursing homes, cancer treatment centers, hospice facilities, and schools, plus more. No legal right to go into restaurants, on planes, or public transit. No exemption for housing that does not allow pets. Requires extensive training and registration with a therapy animal organization.

Emotional Support dog= no specific training required. No legal rights to enter public places where dogs would not normally be allowed, other than housing. . Purpose is to calm and provide comfort and support to their owner. Requires documentation from a doctor or mental health professional.

Far too many of those out there.

My son had a chocolate lab that clearly needed therapy!

ALL dogs are therapy dogs. It’s just that some make a profession out of it.

That’s what I have.

Wouldn’t a ‘placebo dog’ be a cat?

Nah, give him a rotweiler. It’s a psycho-therapy dog.

Sweet!

As long as you don’t tell him he’ll be none the wisher.

Does one have to pick up after a placebo dog?

But he still had to undergo a pet scan.

They must partner with the local shelter.

Hiya Bleeb!!!!!!!! He’s the real deal! :)

Placebo dog. Hilarious!

Placebo dog? What? Like taxidermy?

The dog and the human seem very well matched.