In this episode, Lori and Sarah interview Maritza Benedek, the Team Leader at Caring Paws Animal Therapy. During her retirement, Maritza gave her dog a renewed purpose by participating in animal-assisted therapy. This was not an easy transition for the duo as becoming a certified therapy dog and handler requires rigorous training and constant practice. 

With her dog Edward, Maritza visits schools, senior residences, and palliative care residences where she brings joy and hope to numerous people. A five-minute visit turns into multiple thanks from the residents who are normally alone and forgotten. The therapy dogs' visits are not only rewarding experiences for the patients, but also for the handlers. Dogs accompany people in their journey to learn how to read a book and relearn how to eat with a spoon. In schools, visits from therapy dogs relieve students' stress after a long day. After a visit, everyone leaves with a smile on their face and a warm heart.

Caring Paws Animal Therapy had to face many obstacles due to the pandemic; they could not visit their patients in person anymore. Although the visits are now virtual, the benefits of interacting with therapy dogs are real.

Tune in to learn how therapy dogs help children, young adults, and seniors alike!