On the first and third Tuesday of every month, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Department at Humber River Health (Humber) receives a visit from Eric and his four-year-old King Charles Spaniel, Maggie, from Sunshine Therapy Dogs. Linda and her four-year-old golden retriever/lab cross, Willow, visit the department on the alternate weeks to spend time with the staff and young patients. 

Alan Harman founded Sunshine Therapy Dogs in 2020, inspired by the calming effect his daughter’s dog, Tico, had on those around them. Today, Tico, along with 250 other volunteer dogs, have made over 3,000 visits to students, seniors, and employees in and around the GTA, including Humber. 

“Pet therapy has been a wonderful addition to our program,” explains Carol Appleton, a Registered Nurse on Humber’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit. “Not only are the dogs wonderful, but it provides an opportunity to improve lives.” 

The team at Sunshine Therapy Dogs share a concern for individuals experiencing loneliness and emotional and mental illness and believes that the company of furry friends can help – even more so now due to the increased stress levels brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, pet therapy has been found to decrease loneliness, stress, and negative emotions in youth, improving social skills and enhancing developmental maturity (Perina, 2023). Welcoming Sunshine Therapy Dogs to Humber helps foster a safe, more positive environment, particularly among younger patients. 

“Alongside their dedicated human companions, like Eric and Linda, both Maggie and Willow provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support to young patients,” explains Giovanna Menna, a Clerical Support Associate in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit.  “Maggie and Willow’s natural ability to connect with children allows them to be true partners in healing.” 

Eric, Maggie’s owner, has been with Sunshine Therapy Dogs for over two years. He believes that welcoming Maggie into his home and his work with the organization have positively impacted his life. He is thrilled to be able to bring this same positive impact to the patients, visitors, staff, physicians, and volunteers at Humber. 

To learn about volunteer opportunities or how to request a visit from Sunshine Therapy Dogs, visit http://www.sunshinetherapydogs.ca/