Who is Roo?
My husband and I have always had a deep love for animals, and as we settled into our beautiful new home in Wexford, we felt a strong desire to find a dog who needed a caring family. It was a heartwarming surprise that just one day into our search, we discovered Roo! With her previous owner’s circumstances changing, she had been bounced around and didnt have the best start in life, she was in need of a new and permanent home, and from the moment we met her, it felt like destiny had brought us together.
As Roo began to find her footing in her new home, we encountered a challenge; having been a lockdown pup with an unsteady start, she was unaccustomed to being alone and experienced deep separation anxiety. While researching her breed—Roo is a Beagle/Labrador cross, also known as a Beagador—I discovered that they often excel as therapy dogs. This revelation sparked a thought in my mind, filling me with hope for her journey ahead.
Introducing her to work..
I have always cherished the idea of welcoming a dog into the treatment room. Early in my career, I had the privilege of working alongside an osteopath whose gentle dog frequently accompanied her, quietly lying by the treatment table as she worked her magic. Later, as a teacher, I had a student whose loyal guide dog effortlessly eased the tension for everyone entering the room, creating an atmosphere of tranquility with its mere presence. The remarkable calming influence of animals has been recognized for years, often bringing comfort and alleviating stress and anxiety for those in need.
Bringing a dog into the treatment room can create a truly comforting and welcoming atmosphere for patients. It provides a sense of warmth and companionship, allowing individuals to feel more at ease during what may be a challenging or uncomfortable experience. The unconditional love and non-judgmental presence of dogs can nurture the emotional well-being of patients, potentially leading to improved therapeutic outcomes. Moreover, the simple act of interacting with these gentle animals has been shown to release oxytocin, a hormone that fosters bonding and helps alleviate stress. This interaction not only serves as a source of distraction from the pain or anxiety that patients may feel but also promotes a sense of normalcy and stability in an otherwise sterile environment. Over time, many health professionals have observed that patients who engage with therapy dogs often report feeling more relaxed and open during consultations, which can significantly enhance communication between patients and caregivers. Additionally, the joy that these animals bring can uplift spirits, fostering a healing environment that transcends traditional treatment methods. By incorporating dogs into therapeutic settings, healthcare providers can harness the incredible bond between humans and animals to aid in recovery and ultimately support the holistic healing journey of each patient.
So, inspired by this desire to address our struggles with separation anxiety, I decided to explore a new approach. I started with a few clients I knew were passionate about their dogs, and we conducted some trial treatments. It was heartwarming to see Roo adapt so effortlessly; she remains calm during consultations, comforting those speaking about their pain or emotional challenges by sitting beside them. As the treatments proceed, she finds her cozy spot nearby and drifts into a peaceful nap. Thai massage treatments presented a bit more of a challenge since they happen on the floor, but I’ve watched her learn quickly when it’s time to relax and just be present.
Roo may not have had any formal training to be a therapy dog, but it’s clear that she was born for this role; her warmth and presence have made her incredibly beloved, to the point where people express their disappointment when she’s not around! Roo however is still learning her workplace manners, she can feel overwhelmed if you lean your face too close to hers and we do ask that you respect this boundary for her. She will sometimes forget she is working and get a little too close to your face, even if you dont mind this, she needs to learn professional boundaries so we ask that you help with this by gently moving away, it helps Roo to remember that personal space works both ways.
There are now days when Roo stays home, and she wont be around during longer 3-hour treatments, yet her natural affinity for this work has earned her a cherished place as a permanent member of our team.
Not a dog person?
Of course, I want everyone booking in for treatments to feel completely at ease. I understand that not everyone is a dog person, and some individuals may have allergies to consider as well. If you would prefer that Roo isn’t present during your treatment, that’s perfectly okay—after all, this is your treatment, and it should feel just right for you. Feel free to share your preferences when you make your booking, though it’s absolutely not mandatory. When you schedule an appointment, I’ll send you a form that helps me prepare for your treatment. This form includes a section where you can communicate your preferences or let me know if you have any allergies or sensitivities to dog fur that I should take into account while preparing for your treatment.
The Barefoot therapist 