Contact: Spencer Levine, HFA, 202-457-5811, Ext. 1098

 

HOSPICE FOUNDATION OF AMERICA AWARDS GRANT TO THE GOOD DOG 

 

FOUNDATION TO INITIATE HOSPICE VISITS BY CERTIFIED THERAPY DOGS

 

June 30, 2014, Washington, DC – The companionship of a dog is as important to some people as the companionship of another person. But beyond their unconditional love and loyalty, specially trained dogs and their handlers can also offer people a healing, therapeutic presence. To that end, Hospice Foundation of America has awarded a $7500 grant to the New York-based, nonprofit, Good Dog Foundation, which trains and certifies therapy dogs and handlers, to initiate visits to hospice patients in New York City. “I’ve seen how properly trained dogs and their handlers can bring a few minutes of joy and relief to people in very stressful situations,” said Amy Tucci, president and CEO of Hospice Foundation of America. “Our partnership with the Good Dog Foundation should extend that opportunity to hundreds more people.” 

 

About The Good Dog Foundation

 

The Good Dog Foundation (Good Dog) was founded as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in 1998 to promote the use of animal-assisted therapy. Good Dog’s mission is to elevate the stature and promote society’s understanding of the therapeutic value of the human-animal bond. This is accomplished through the use of professionally-trained and supervised volunteer teams who work to aid the healing process in humans and enhance clients’ quality of life.

 

About Hospice Foundation of America 

 

Hospice Foundation of America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Hospice Foundation of America is to provide leadership in the development and application of hospice and its philosophy of care with the goal of enhancing the U.S. health care system and the role of hospice within it.