CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – There is a local organization that is always able to bring a smile and provide comfort to those in need. It’s time to give a shout out, or you could call it a bark out, to Tender Paws Therapy Group of Clarksville, featured in our latest Giving Grace.
Tender Paws is an all-volunteer nonprofit that has been serving the Clarksville-Montgomery County community since 2001 with the healing power of volunteers along with their canine friends. The group also spreads the love to areas like Fort Campbell, Hopkinsville-Christian County, Dickson and Houston Counties.
Recently, David Bilan and his partner Buddy, a rescued Labrador-mix, paid a visit to Clarksville Now. Bilan said Buddy’s nickname is Mellow Yellow because he is one of most submissive dogs you would ever meet.
“Tender Paws is a Clarksville based animal therapy group. We go to nursing homes, hospitals, hospice, schools, summer camps, grief camps, library reading programs and more. We basically go where you need four legs and love,” Bilan said.
Bilan said that scientific studies have shown that just petting an animal can lower blood pressure, reduce stress and anxiety. In many cases when people find themselves in an institutional setting, which takes them out of their comfort zone, being with an animal can put them in a better frame of mind.
One special program, Four Paws for Reading, is one that Bilan heads up for Tender Paws. Bilan, along with volunteers and their animal friends, visit the Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library and sit with children as the youngsters improve their literacy skills while reading read to the dogs.
Bilan talked about the difference between what people know of as service dogs and those who are part of Tender Paws. A service animal is any animal that is trained to perform a specific function for an individual with a disability.
“Our animals which are kind of right in between a service animal and a pet is that we are teams. We go through our training together. As a team we go to places where we are invited to provide emotional support to individuals that need it,” said Bilan.
He added that the dogs need to be obedient. “Our animals are not trained in specific duties but are trained in specific behavior,” Bilan said.
The dogs are assessed for their temperament and then will learn more from Tender Paws team members.
Bilan also said that you don’t have to have an animal to be a member of Tender Paws because there are events and activities where you can support the organization in other ways.
To learn more about the amazing work of Tender Paws Therapy Group, find out about volunteering, or make a donation, visit tenderpawsclarksville.org. You can also go to their Facebook page.