Dogwood Acres Pet Retreat Offers Caring Canines

The pups at Dogwood Acres Pet Retreat of Davidsonville have a new Caring Canines program to bark about.

The local pet daycare and spa now has seven certified pet therapy teams to enrich the lives of those in the community who are suffering.

According to a release, the pet retreat has partnered with three area nonprofits including Hospice of the Chesapeake, where they are forming a relationship between the trained pets and children in the Chesapeake Kids program and also the nonprofit’s hospice patients.

Hospice said the partnership offers a dual purpose by providing a peaceful presence for hospice patients as well as comforting support for children who have lost a loved one.

“The human animal bond is unique, and the benefits of pet therapy are endless,” said Dogwood Acres owner Audrey Reichardt in a release. “We are honored to partner with Hospice of the Chesapeake as the ultimate goal for the Caring Canines program is to share the gift of pet therapy with a wide variety of individuals whose quality of life will be enhanced by the comfort and presence of a loving furry friend.”