Timothy The Therapy Pup To Help Sooth Those Needing Comfort

New Port Richey FL

08 October, 2021

11:33 AM

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PORT RICHEY, FL — Meet Timothy, the newest team member of NAMI Pasco. "Some of the best therapists have four legs" – Unknown This past year and a half has been hard on many, but for those with mental health conditions, the challenges can be even bigger. Last year the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Pasco saw a 1,455 percent increase in the use of their services. That's where Timothy comes in. Timothy is the affiliate's first therapy dog. Currently, Timothy is 9 weeks old, and though he is still too young to start official training, he is working on his basic commands and his exposure to different situations and other stimuli. When he is old enough, he will be going through Paws and Stripes College, a program of the Brevard County Sheriff's Department, to become a fully certified therapy dog. Once fully trained, Timothy will be used to help participants feel safe and comforted while sharing their stories or just hanging out if they need extra support. "Many times, we have participants break down in the middle of sharing their story, especially when they are brand new to us. Timothy will be a huge help in offering comfort. If he can provide even a moment of comfort, support or happiness, he's done his job well," said Debbie L. Proulx, executive director of NAMI Pasco. For those wondering, Timothy and all his training and care is 100 percent free to NAMI Pasco. However, if you would like to donate to help NAMI Pasco fulfill its mission of providing free support, education, outreach and advocacy to those with mental health conditions and their loved ones, you can donate by texting NAMIPasco to 44-321. To learn more about NAMI Pasco, click here. To see more pictures and videos of Timothy visit NAMI Pasco on TikTok.