Rachel McPherson is the founder and director of The Good Dog Foundation, which is the largest animal-assisted therapy organization on the East Coast. She started out in 1998 and was instrumental in changing the law that barred therapy dogs from visiting hospitals and other health care facilities. Today, Good Dogs make more than 260,000 visits to people in health care, social services, and community organizations and schools. The Foundation has been honored on the floor of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show because of its work with Hurricane Katrina survivors and has received awards from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the American Red Cross for its work in New York City in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
This book consists of fetching stories about the loving and caring work of therapy, service, and uncertified dogs who bring their healing presence into hospitals and hospices; provide a calm and warm "home base" for autistic children; help keep troubled families together; support kids who need assistance with school work; and serve as wonderful and reliable companions for depressed or traumatized individuals. McPherson also presents practical tips in a section titled "Closing Tails." The pictures of these dog healers and helpers say it all.
