By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Tail-wagging therapy drives independence for people with disabilities in northwest Kansas through the LINK therapy dog program.
LINK Inc. is a disability agency. Fifty-one percent of its staff members have disabilities of some sort.
The non-profit organization has been assisting people with basic at-home tasks to live independently, such as cooking, cleaning, organization and self-care.
Additional services provided by LINK, Inc. include the Community Action Public Policy Change Agents and the Kansas Telecommunication Access Program.
In 2017, LINK welcomed its first therapy dog, also named Link, to give a helping paw at the center.
Chief Executive Officer Angie Zimmerman said Link was introduced to serve as both a therapy dog and provide emotional support.
"He's around all types of people with disabilities," she said. "He's learned to provide comfort for them and lets people hold him."
Link, a Shorkie, is a crossbreed of a Shih Tzu and a Yorkie. He was born with a leg that required amputation due to his irregularity.
The missing front leg limits his ability to walk and due to his form of maintaining balance, he's expected to develop arthritis that will further limit his mobility over time.
Link's numerous changes in homes and families have also led to separation anxiety, a trait Zimmerman said suits his role at the firm well.
"With him having disabilities himself, he fits right in," she said.
The motivation behind pet therapy at LINK, Inc. was to provide companionship to individuals in need who desire a pet but may be unable to care for one.
LINK has also advocated for individuals lacking access to service dogs, recognizing the significance of pet therapy for those in need.
Benefits of pet therapy for mental and physical health include:
- Decrease isolation and depression
- Lowers anxiety and decreases agitation
- Brings a sense of relaxation
- Stabilizes blood pressure
- Reduces risk of heart disease, heart attacks and stroke
- Improves cardiovascular health
During the pandemic, Link welcomed his new colleague at the center, Winston, a Goldendoodle.
Winston received professional training from Lorenzo's Dog Training Team, an organization renowned for training thousands of dogs.
LINK employees and clients hold a deep affection for the two dogs, with some visiting the center specifically to spend time with them.
"Winston is a gentle giant that loves attention," one client said. "He helps provide a relaxing environment to walk into."
Many individuals utilizing the organization's resources often experience anxiety due to the uncertainty of their future, Zimmerman said.
"We have a lot of stressed-out people coming in, whether it's a direct support worker or a potential consumer," she said.
The pair play a role in assisting overwhelmed clients and employees, easing their anxiety by accompanying them throughout their day.
Another client who has received support from LINK with Medicaid and Social Security said that Link helps keep their mind calm while doing paperwork.
"I'm always anxious when I have appointments," the consumer said. "Link seems to sense I need help getting through paperwork and will let me hold and pet him."
The center, 2401 E. 13th St, is open 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.
You can find more information about pet therapy benefits and Link, Inc. resources on the agency's website.
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