Lacy is the recovery support dog at San Antonio Recovery Center!
Lacy’s story is very similar to many of those who seek treatment at SARC. We’ll be documenting her amazing journey and recovery here!
When Harvey hit, Lacy was homeless and living on the streets. Thankfully, Lacy was saved and taken to shelter from the storm. After the hurricane, rescuers searched for a good home for Lacy. With over 100 potential adoptive families eager to take Lacy in, Lacy chose her home at San Antonio Recovery Center.
When Lacy arrived at San Antonio Recovery Center, she was in rough shape. Malnourished and beat up, Lacy was in desperate need of a new start. San Antonio Recovery Center proudly opened its doors to Lacy to nurse her back to health. Like our own clients, Lacy was just in need of support and care to turn her life around!
Lacy is so much more than just a furry, friendly face. She acts as a recovery support dog for our clients. Numerous studies show that dogs help to restore balance to the brain. They help the brain naturally release dopamine and aid in the recovery of the neurochemical pathways of the brain. By giving the brain a natural reason to release these chemicals, it helps reduce the reliance on harmful substances to feel the same effects. A recovery support dog also helps to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety as well. Dogs can also help to increase the release of serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin.
Along with helping the brain, a recovery support dog can help in other ways during treatment. Having an animal to care for helps to give clients a new sense of purpose. The need to care for the animal helps to establish routines and create schedules, practices that are essential after treatment. They also help increase feelings of empathy and self-worth in clients. Working with animals can also give therapists new insights into their clients. Watching how the client interacts with the animal can help therapists better treat the individual.
Animals like Lacy are even more crucial after treatment. Having a pet at home can help solidify schedules and routines while also reducing feelings of loneliness and stress. Having a dog can also keep owners active and accountable.
In her short time with SARC, she has already made a huge impact on both clients and staff! Through animal assisted therapy, Lacy’s sweet nature constantly brightens the days of many clients and provides them with unconditional love. Several patients who have successfully completed a program at SARC have asked to come back for special visitation with Lacy! We can't say enough how happy and fortunate we are that Lacy came to us. She has touched the lives of both clients and staff members alike!
The team at SARC hopes that Lacy will continue to make a positive impact on those in their recovery! To learn more about treatment options, contact San Antonio Recovery Center at 866-957-7885 today.
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