The Good Dog Foundation, Inc.

The Good Dog Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to utilizing the human-canine bond to alleviate suffering and support learning through Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI).

Mission

The foundation's mission focuses on harnessing the transformative power of the relationship between humans and dogs. This bond is used to ease human suffering, facilitate recovery from trauma and stress, and enhance learning processes.

Operations

The Good Dog Foundation trains and certifies volunteers and their dogs to provide support in various settings including:

• Hospitals: Helping patients cope with stress and recover from illness.
• Schools: Assisting children with reading and learning difficulties.
• Nursing Homes: Providing companionship to seniors.
• Community Centers: Offering comfort and stress relief to the community.

Additionally, the foundation trains professionals (such as educators and health workers) to integrate their dogs into their professional practices. It also conducts research with major hospitals and universities to advance the field of therapy dogs.

Training Programs

The foundation offers several training programs tailored for different needs:

• Volunteer Certification: A four-week program for volunteers and their dogs to learn how to safely assist individuals in need.
• Crisis Response Certification: Training for certified volunteers to respond in national disasters.
• Professional Certification: Classes for educators and therapists to incorporate their dogs into professional practices.

Partnerships and Research

The Good Dog Foundation collaborates with major healthcare and educational institutions to advance AAI and assess its effectiveness in different environments. The organization is also a partner of the Best Friends Animal Society, aiming to support animal welfare initiatives.

Governance and Leadership

As of recent data, the organization's leadership includes a diverse board of directors with backgrounds in law, finance, and non-profit management. However, according to available information, the board does not conduct formal orientations or assessments, and ethical reviews are not regularly documented.

Impact

Each year, Good Dog volunteers contribute thousands of hours, benefiting over 100,000 people annually. The organization's efforts emphasize the healing power of the human-animal bond, promoting well-being and recovery for individuals facing stress, trauma, or illness.

Financial Overview

The Good Dog Foundation has received a 3-star rating on Charity Navigator, indicating moderate financial health and governance practices. The organization's financial operations include audits and reviews but lacks detailed transparency in certain governance practices.

Conclusion

The Good Dog Foundation represents a comprehensive effort to leverage the therapeutic potential of dogs, providing comfort, support, and learning opportunities across the United States. Through its training programs, research initiatives, and partnerships, the foundation plays a significant role in enhancing human well-being and advancing the field of animal-assisted intervention.

[1] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/11-3466707 [2] https://thegooddogfoundation.org [3] https://thegooddogfoundation.org/about-us/ [4] https://bestfriends.org/partners/good-dog-foundation [5] https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/113466707