Where We Go

Fox Valley Therapy Dog Club

"Making a Difference, One Paw at a Time" ^TM

Where We Go

Social workers, nursing home administrators, and health care professionals are just beginning to learn about the benefits of dog therapy.

Currently our dog and handler teams go wherever there is a need and request for animal assisted therapy in the Fox Valley area.

We visit hospitals, nursing and rehabilitation facilities, schools, libraries, fairs, 4-H groups, scout groups and attend community events in Yorkville, Sandwich, Plano, Aurora, Plainfield and Oswego, Illinois.

Here’s a list of the FVTDC’s current therapy programs:

Educational Facilities

Aurora Brady Elementary School - Therapy Dog Education Program
Bednarcik Junior High, Oswego - Special Needs Program
Old Post Elementary, Oswego - Reading Program
Oswego West High School - Exceptional Needs Program
Sandwich Prairie View School - Special Needs Program
Yorkville Grade School - Reading Program
Yorkville Circle Center Grade School - Exceptional Needs Program
Yorkville Intermediate School - Reading Program
Yorkville High School - Special Needs Program
Yorkville Cross Lutheran - Therapy Dog and Dog Care Program

Dogs and handlers assist teachers, social workers and caregivers in providing therapy for physically and developmentally challenged young people, with the goals to enhance social, cognitive and motor skills.

Libraries

Yorkville Public Library
Oswego Public Library
West Aurora Public Library

Children gain confidence and enjoy reading when they read aloud to an uncritical audience, our dogs. Canine assisted reading programs throughout the country have helped raise the percentage of children reading at or above their current grade level.

Healthcare Facilities

Association for Individual Development
Countryside Care Residence
Dogwood Health Care Center
Hillside Care Center
Keeler Center
Lakewood Nursing & Rehab Center
Naperville Community Nursing
Plum Landing Retirement Center
Rush Copley Medical Center
Tillers Health Care Residence
Willowcrest Nursing Pavilion

Regular visits to nursing and care facilities promote social interaction, decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation, and increase morale and optimism.