Domestic Violence Shelter Adding Therapy Dog to Help Survivor’s Heal

 

Kansas City, Missouri, February 19, 2021 — Rose Brooks Center, a Kansas City-based PET-FRIENDLY domestic violence agency, has long understood that comprehensive care also includes the human-animal bond. Which is why earlier this month, Rose Brooks added a four-legged member to the staff, a therapy dog named Cooper. Cooper is a three year old Beagle/Aussie mix acquired through a partnership with Warrior’s Best Friend, a local nonprofit providing trained canines to trauma survivors.

Cooper will spend most of his time in Rose Brooks’ emergency shelter, however he will also be utilized for individual therapy or group settings, or when a survivor or staff needs added comfort. Most importantly, as victims and survivors come into shelter with severe trauma, Cooper will be constant source of comfort, bringing healing and recovery.

Cooper has several commands that can be used for individuals in crisis or in need of support, and has already been demonstrating his incredible skills. “Cooper supported a client in a mental health crisis within moments of being onsite, allowing staff and the shelter resident to calmly work together.” Explains Residential Director, Angela Maldonado. “We were able to utilize one of Cooper’s comfort commands, instructing him to calmly rest himself next to the client. This de-escalation helped us all focus in on appropriate, immediate care, rather than it escalating further.”

Cooper also has supported staff who answer the 24/7 crisis hotline at Rose Brooks. One hotline advocate explains, “The ability to receive immediate comfort from Cooper, following a traumatic hotline call allows me to bounce back quicker, and return to safety planning with victims.”

At a time when survivors are needing additional support and services, Cooper will fulfill an important piece of a survivor’s journey – the human-animal bond as a resource for healing. Welcome Cooper!

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Rose Brooks Center’s mission is to break the cycle of domestic violence so that individuals and families can live free of abuse. Rose Brooks offers emergency shelter for adults and their pets, including wrap-around comprehensive care, as well as community programming and violence prevention services. For those who are in an abusive relationship or need support, Rose Brooks is here to help you plan for safety or connect you to services. Please call our 24/7 hotline at 816-861-6100. www.rosebrooks.org.

 

Warrior’s Best Friend is a nonprofit organization that provides trained service canines to veterans suffering from PTSD, as well as trained homeless canines – at no cost or minimal cost –  to schools and other human service organizations working with individuals who have experienced trauma and are in crisis. Their canines undergo rigorous training and provide critical assistance to an individual’s recovery, as well as provide service and companionship for a lifetime. Learn more at www.warriorsbestfriend.org.