For a couple of years now, St. John Ambulance therapy dogs and their handlers have been paying weekly visits to Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon. Spokesperson Jasmin Ogren says the families get so excited some of the children will line up at the door when Jet and his handler Justin or Daisy and her handler Liz come to visit.

She hopes having a dog around to pet and cuddle or play with will help the children feel more like they are at home, and especially if they are missing their family pet. Ogren adds there are studies that show the benefits of having a therapy dog around, which include lowering blood pressure, experiencing less overall physical pain and the act of petting produces an automatic relaxation response, releasing endorphins that have a calming effect. All Ronald McDonald Houses have therapy dog visits.