"Taco," the Heart of Our New Pet-Assisted Therapy Program
11/21/2009
Livingston, TN. – Taco is no ordinary dog and her work proves it. She is a 6-year-old Chihuahua who is the newest addition to the OakPoint Center at Livingston Regional Hospital as the center introduces its new pet-assisted therapy program. "She creates smiles when there were none," owner/handler Gerry Cotnoir said.
Taco participates in a number of pet assisted activities once a week at the Livingston facility. She visits one patient at a time in a group setting by sitting on their lap (if the patient is comfortable with her) and allows the patient to pet her. She also demonstrates her obedience abilities, such as sitting, lying down, being groomed and staying in one place on command. She greets each patient (ones who are comfortable enough to have her in their lap) with kisses on the nose. Chihuahas are often hyper dogs, but Taco is the complete opposite. Her calm nature helps in the therapy program.