Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs – What’s the difference?

In recent decades, we have undergone a radical change in how we think about and relate to dogs. Scientists and scholars alike have taken up the study of dogs and the human/canine relationship as a serious subject. Today, ethologists study animals in relation to human behavior and social organization from a biological perspective. It is accepted by both dog owners and scholars alike that dogs possess intelligence, that they can learn, that they have emotions, and the ability to communicate.

This presentation will highlight the dogs we see in our everyday lives. But we may not know about what they “do” for humans or why. Join Linda Pizzi, FitC member and long-time dog-lover, to learn about the crucial work being done by service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support dogs. 

Linda Pizzi was formerly Assistant Dean of Academic Development at Arcadia University, where she managed the Learning Resource Network and Disability Support Services and taught part-time. For close to 15 years, Linda taught a First Year Seminar at Arcadia, entitled, Must Love Dogs – an Exploration of the Human-Canine Relationship. Through that course and through her work at the university, she experienced and encountered many situations with assistance animals.

Currently, she volunteers with her dog Pepper as a therapy dog, certified through Comfort Caring Canines.

Event Limit: 95

FitC Contact/Questions: Amy Goldman -  amy.sue.goldman219@gmail.com