| Friday, July 16, 2010 |
 Manatee Palms Youth Services Provides Summer Dog Show for PatientsYear round, Manatee Palms has long had a pet therapy program with its certified pet therapy dog named Nacho. Nacho is an English bulldog owned by Carlos Miranda, certified expressive therapist at Manatee Palms Youth Services. Understanding the importance of pet therapy programs, Manatee Palms Youth Services, a Psychiatric Solutions, Inc. (PSI) facility, recently held a dog show for its patients as a special summer break activity. Manatee Palms staff brought in their immunized dogs to participate in the dog show and the children voted on a variety of categories, including best costume, best tricks and best in show.Patients had the opportunity to take their picture with the dog of their choice and received a copy to hang in their room or send home to their family. “Recent studies have shown that animal-assisted therapy has many added benefits in helping patients achieve their treatment goals and objectives,” said CEO Jeff Turiczek. “Our quarterly dog show provides our patients with a great socializing opportunity in a safe environment.” ### |
