Join Us
We would love to welcome you to our group and get started on a very fulfilling volunteer career with your best friend.
Request Us
West TN Therapy Dogs is a group of men and women who have years of experience in animal assisted therapy and know the benefits that can be derived by the pet and human bond.
Support Us
We are a totally volunteer organization. 100% of your donation goes to support WTTD and our teams. Make a tax deductible donation today!
Contact Us
What is Animal Assisted Therapy? What Therapy Dogs Can Do? How Can Therapy Dogs Help? Reach out to have all your questions answered.
A few things we’re great at
What is Animal Assisted Therapy?
Animal Assisted Therapy uses all types of animals, though West TN Therapy Dogs specializes in the use of therapy dogs, who are friends to everyone! Therapy dogs are extremely patient and loving – and provide great companionship. West TN Therapy Dogs bring only the best trained dogs to your location! We visit hospitals, rehabilitation and hospice facilities, schools, senior centers, nursing communities, and more.
Our programs are tailored to meet your specific needs. If you’re looking for emotional or physical support, look no further – you’ve come to the right place.
What Therapy Dogs Can Do?
Sometimes a therapy dog will visit a school or library to join in during story time to help relax the group. They can also help a child who has difficulty reading. These children are the perfect candidate to curl up alongside a therapy dog to enjoy a good book. Studies show children find the non-judgmental ears of a therapy dog the perfect choice to hone and improve their reading skills.
In hospitals, therapy dogs can visit patients in pediatrics, oncology, or even hospice centers. Sometimes a therapy dog just sits quietly while being petted – listening to story after story about a patient’s former dog.
How Can Therapy Dogs Help?
Visiting with animals can help you feel less lonely and less depressed. People are more active and responsive both during – and after – a visit with animals. Medical studies and clinical research show that a therapy dog can not only have medical benefits – such as stress relief, or lower blood pressure – but provide a sense of comfort, confidence, and companionship. West TN Therapy Dogs are always ready to visit and provide comfort to those in stressful situations.
No matter why it hurts, dogs can make you feel better.
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Resources
Amercan Kennel Club – C.G.C.
Animal World USA
Hideaway Farm Canine Academy
Meet the Team
West TN Therapy Dogs is a group of men and women who have years of experience in animal assisted therapy and know the benefts that can be derived by the pet and human bond. Each member, and their pup partners, have been vetted and verifed for work as therapy dogs.
Cashew
Anne Weiss
[Director]Cashew is part Bichon and the other part is pure happiness. And yes, he adores children and can’t wait to be with them. He needed no training to become a therapy dog. He was a natural. His tail is always wagging and his eyes show his love. We would love to visit with you and go to schools and libraries where there are lots of children.
Keys
Jo Anne Fusco
[Asst. Director]Hues Of Gold, Keys To Ladder Company 3 (aka Keys) was born on 9-11 and his litter had a special theme, First Responders. Keys is a very special boy. Keys earned his therapy dog registration at the age of 1. This British Golden Retriever from Alaska has a wonderful sweet personality that everyone falls in love with. He even has a great big smile, always! Keys is also Boss’s little brother.
Sallie
Andrea Williford
Sallie is a Yellow Labrador Retriever who loves people and animals and looks forward to visits at LeBonheur Children’s’ Hospital. One of Sallie’s favorite activities is going to Shelby Farms with her 3 sisters where she can swim, run, sniff, and dig until her heart is content.
Cricket
Don Gold
Cricket is a 2 year old rescue Puli (HUNGARIAN SHEEP DOG) who is a fantastic Therapy dog and loves children, adults and other dogs. On the day of her arrival at our house, she started training to herd both sheep and ducks like our beloved L.E. who was #1 most titled herding Puli in the world. She has big paw prints to fill but most important she has found her forever home.
See us work
West TN Therapy Dogs can be found all over town supporting our communities with dog assisted therapy.
WTTD Visits The University of Memphis Library
We sincerely hope we relieved a little of the stress of Exam Week. – WTTD, December 2019 “Thank you so much for coordinating yesterday’s visit to the UofM. Everyone really[…]
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2018 MCVC Awards
Ms. Jo Anne Fusco was awarded the John C. New Service Award at the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association’s 2018 MCVC Awards Congratulations, Jo Anne!
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Guest blog: Why do you have a dog at the airport?
It’s a question therapy dog owner Pete Friedman of West Tennessee Therapy Dogs gets every time he visits Memphis International Airport. – Pete has the answer in a special guest[…]
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West TN Therapy Dog volunteer teams share their special animals in order to bring happiness and cheer to all people, young and old alike.