Brookhaven Retreat®, LLC, a unique residential treatment facility exclusively for women with mental health and/or substance abuse issues, celebrated National Dog Day on August 26th with a visit from Bella the Labradoodle.
Colleen Paige, a Pet and Family Lifestyle Expert and Animal Advocate, founded National Dog Day in 2004. This day celebrates all dogs, of both mixed breeds and full breeds, and increases the recognition of the number of dogs that need rescued and adopted throughout the world.
As part of The Lily Program®, a 90-day treatment for women offered exclusively at Brookhaven Retreat, clients are provided opportunities to engage with animals, including dogs. Bella, the Labradoodle, is a frequent visitor to the pristine grounds of Brookhaven Retreat. Bella is a registered HABIT Dog (Human-Animal Bond in Tennessee), a pet therapy program comprised of representatives from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, volunteers from the community, and private veterinary practitioners. Established in 1986, the HABIT organization fosters pet therapy in a variety of professional settings, such as Brookhaven Retreat.
According to Jacqueline Dawes, founder of Brookhaven Retreat and owner of Bella; “Some of the women here love Bella as much as I do. It’s very encouraging to witness the effect she has on people and her ability to calm them and make them happy at the same time. She offers unconditional love because that’s what pets do. She has the power to immediately change the energy in the room and relax anyone who pets her or pay her any attention at all.”
On August 26th, Bella made a special visit to the Brookhaven Retreat campus. She received extra hugs and kisses from clients and staff.
There are countless ways to celebrate National Dog Day. Below are some ways staff of Brookhaven Retreat honored National Dog Day:
- Visiting a local shelter/rescue to visit with the animals and play.
- Hosting a dog party with favorite eats, treats, and toys.
- Teaching a dog a new trick.
- Take dog for an extra walk.
- Make a donation to a local shelter.
