COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – In a topsy-turvey world, a pure bred golden retriever is doing her part to help people relax and deal with stress.
Maggie the therapy dog and her owner, Haley Houtz, work at Pansophia Academy in Coldwater, where Haley has been an educational counselor since August 2016. She and Maggie Thursday visited the Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary Club meeting.
Maggie is trained in stress and anxiety management and Haley told the club about some differences between service animals and therapy dogs. In most cases, Houtz explained that while it is best not to approach or pet service animals, it is okay and welcomed when it comes to therapy dogs.
Maggie was a rescue dog but lost her tail as a result of a birth complication. According to Haley, all the teachers at Pansophia have been taught how to command Maggie when she is working in their class rooms.
If you would like to find out more about Maggie, who has also helped Houtz provide grief counseling, she has her own Facebook page at Maggie the Therapy Dog.
