Animal-Assisted Therapy

Did you know that Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) utilizes licensed and credentialed therapy animals to provide goal-directed interventions to individuals of all ages with various types of psychological, emotional, developmental, cognitive, and motivational, and/or physical impairments? Melmed Center is pleased to announce that Kristin Abbate, MA, PsyD and Ms. Peanut Buttercup (aka, Nutter-Butters, Buttercup, Dr. Peanut) have joined our team! Peanut is a seven year-old Labrador Retriever who has been loved and cared for since she was 8 weeks old by Dr. Abbate. Peanut has been a credentialed therapy dog since 2007 and LOVES her job. Peanut just moved back to Arizona from Chicago, Il, where she worked in a therapeutic day school with children, adolescents and young adults on the Autistic Spectrum. Peanut has been used in individual and group therapy to help people with emotional regulation, depression, anxiety, and development of social skills and outward focus. Peanut has also participated in programs designed to help children improve their reading skills and has been used in various Occupational Therapy interventions. Peanut adores everyone, but is particularly drawn to children. Peanut is extremely patient with a gentle temperament and always has a smile on her face.

AAT with a therapy dog can help:

 Reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms

 Improve self-esteem

 Be more empathetic

 Assist with attachment issues

 Promote social skill development

 Improve social competence

 Reduce feelings of loneliness and/ or social isolation

 Improve coping skills

 Assist with sensory needs and cognitive development

 Be more aware of personal space and self-care practices

 Has a calming effect that can decrease blood pressure and heart rate.

 Provides tactile and mental stimulation

 Alternate form of therapy for non verbal children (Please note this is not an exhaustive list)

The best thing about Peanut is the unconditional affection and non-judgmental nature that she provides to make people feel loved regardless of health, impairment, appearance, or prognosis! Contact a patient coordinator today to assist you with scheduling an intake with Dr. Abbate to find out if this therapy would be beneficial for you and your family!

Peanut

Ms. Peanut Buttercup (aka, Nutter-Butters, Buttercup, and Dr. Peanut) is a seven year-old Labrador Retriever who was born on June 13, 2004 in Goodyear, Arizona. Dr. Abbate brought Peanut home when she was 8 weeks old and raised her with the love, care, and the training needed to become a therapy dog. Peanut has been registered as a credentialed therapy dog since 2007 and loves her job. Peanut recently moved back to Arizona with Dr. Abbate from Chicago, IL, where Peanut worked in a therapeutic day school with children, adolescents, and young adults on the Autistic Spectrum. Peanut has been used in individual and group therapy to help people with emotional regulation, depression, anxiety, and development of social skills. Peanut has also participated in programs designed to help children improve their reading skills and has even been used in conjunction with Occupational Therapy! Peanut adores everyone, but is particularly drawn to children. Peanut is extremely patient with a gentle temperament and always has as smile on her face. If allowed, Peanut will greet with a lick and is a professional hugger and seasoned cuddler. When not working, Peanut enjoys swimming, sledding, playing catch or keep-away, napping, and eating as many treats as she can sneak.