Every day, Harley helps patients with Parkinson’s Disease in their personal therapy at St. Augustine Rehab Specialists. The 3-year-old Labrador Retriever’s presence, however, is just as important as his work. Harley and Melani Lomaglio, a physical therapist, were matched through Canine Companions for Independence a year ago.

“Parkinson’s causes what we call non-motor symptoms which is depression, anxiety, and apathy. So, when something like coronavirus comes along, all of those things are exacerbated,” said Lomaglio. Whenever a session begins, Harley’s human also says, “He immediately clears their mind. They’re not thinking about coronavirus when they walk through the door. They’re thinking: “Oh, there’s Harley!”

Despite the viral outbreak, the CCI is working hard to help more people in need of therapy and service. More than 400 people nationwide are waiting for their service dogs.

News source: news4jax.com

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today. 

The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.

Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals.

Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below.