As a provider of Animal Assisted Psychotherapy and advocate of human and animal wellness, Counseling Connect, PLLC is very excited about the creation of a new non-profit (503(c) organization, Diamonds in the Ruff. The mission of Diamonds in the Ruff (DITR) is to enhance the lives of dogs in shelters and to improve the lives of people in need. This program selects and screens dogs living in shelters and trains them for roles in service, therapy work, and emotional support. These Diamond Dogs are then matched with a person in need, with the goal of creating a team that can lead a rich, productive life together.
In order to fulfill their purpose of bringing dogs in need together with the people that need them most, dogs that do not join service or assistance training programs are placed either with those impacted by disability as emotional support/companion animals; or with individuals who will register them as therapy dogs and commit to visiting people that may benefit from the positive effects of human-animal interactions in various settings, including schools, libraries, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and hospice. Currently, this program is available in areas located 1.5 hours from Blacksburg, Roanoke, and Chatham, VA. Hopefully, the service area will expand over time to help more people and dogs in need!
To learn more about this service or to find out about applying for a Diamond Dog, visit the website: www.DiamondsInTheRuffVirginia.org or Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/servicedogsenable/
Or contact the organization directly:
Email: Info@DiamondsInTheRuffVirginia.org
Phone: 775.560.1992
If you are interested in receiving counseling services with an emphasis on Animal Assisted Psychotherapy, then book an appointment today! 828-475-5667
Or if you are a helping professional and would like consultation on getting certified as a pet therapy team and learning how to incorporate therapy animals into clinical practice, contact rae@counselingconnectpllc.com.
As always, we look forward to connecting with you!