Healing Companions: Ordinary Dogs and Their Extraordinary Power to Transform Lives »

Jane Miller, LISW, CDBC, works in private practice as a clinical psychotherapist and licensed independent social worker, with a particular interest in holistic healing. She has lectured in a wide variety of settings, including many national and local organizations, schools, and dog-training facilities. More recently, Miller has consulted with NEADS (National Education for Assistance Dog Services), the Canines for Combat Veterans program for soldiers returning from combat in Iraq with post-traumatic stress, as well as other veterans organizations. She has appeared in the PBS program "Health Visions: Animals As Healers" and other local and national media. Miller lives in Oberlin, Ohio, with her two Golden Retrievers.

"Animals are more complete than people. They are wonderful teachers, therapists and role models for us all. Read Healing Companions and learn about their ability to guide and heal us all."-Bernie Siegel, MD, author of Smudge Bunny

As the more than 65 million dog owners in America will attest, there's something about the presence of a dog that inspires confidence, nurtures emotional well-being, and brings out the best in ourselves. But for some people, the presence of a dog can do even more.

Written by the leading expert in an emerging new field of therapy, Healing Companions is the first book to detail how dogs are increasingly benefiting those who suffer from a range of emotional ills, from eating disorders and anxiety to agoraphobia, depression, and post-traumatic stress.

Healing Companions will teach you:
• What criteria to consider when choosing the right dog for you.
• What kind of training service dogs require.
• What to expect and how to respond when you take a service dog out in public.
• How a dog can compliment other forms of therapy.
• How to navigate the procedural regulations that apply to a service dog.
• How to recognize the dog's needs and provide it with proper care.
• And much more.

Foreword Loan Froling 15

Introduction How the Healing Journey Began 19

Chapter 1 Mindy's Story: Umaya Leads the Way 27

Chapter 2 Canine Rx: Finding the Right Companion 39

Chapter 3 The Good Fight: Prison Puppies Free Veterans from Comsat 69

Chapter 4 Sit, Stay, Soothe: Training your New Companion 83

Chapter 5 Member of the Family: Helping Everyone Get Along 99

Chapter 6 Dogs Have Issues, Too: Helping your Dog Cope With Stress 119

Chapter 7 The Golden years: When to Hang Up the Leash 133

Appendix 1 Sample Service Dog Cards 153

Appendix 2 Delta Society Service Dogs Welcome 157

Appendix 3 ADA Business BRIEF Service Animals 161

Appendix 4 Breed Types: What's In A Name? Micky Niego 163

Appendix 5 Assistance Dog Tasks Joan Froling 169

Appendix 6 Service Dog Tasks for Psychiatric Disabilities Joan Froling 187

Appendix 7 "Paws and Take a Deep Breath" 225

Abbreviations 227

Glossary 229

Resources 233

Index 251

About the Author 255