Why Therapy Dogs Matter – And Why We Love Having One at Lancaster MFM

If you’ve followed Lancaster MFM on social media, you already know that Laszlo, our beloved Bernedoodle, has become something of a local celebrity. Half Bernese Mountain Dog, half Poodle, and 100% heart, Laszlo is training to become a certified therapy dog with the help of the wonderful volunteers at KPETS.

Laszlo The Dog
An image by LMFM in relation to - Meet Laszlo
An image by LMFM in relation to - Meet Laszlo

Meet Laszlo

Laszlo, Our Therapy Dog in Training

If you’ve followed Lancaster MFM on social media, you already know that Laszlo, our beloved Bernedoodle, has become something of a local celebrity. Half Bernese Mountain Dog, half Poodle, and 100% heart, Laszlo is training to become a certified therapy dog with the help of the wonderful volunteers at KPETS.

So, why go through the effort of training a therapy dog for our practice? The answer is simple: because therapy dogs make a real difference in people’s lives.

The Power of a Therapy Dog

Therapy animals are known to reduce stress, ease anxiety, and even help lower blood pressure. They bring comfort and companionship in ways that words sometimes can’t. That’s why you’ll often find them visiting schools, hospitals, and nursing homes—anywhere people could use an extra dose of calm and joy.

At Lancaster MFM, Laszlo helps in much the same way. Whether he’s sitting quietly beside you while you wait for your appointment or soaking up hugs and ear scratches, he has an amazing ability to put people at ease.

Here’s just one example: one of our nurses, Nicole, recently asked Laszlo to join a nervous expectant mom whose blood pressure was running high. Within minutes of sitting with him, her numbers returned to normal. That’s the kind of impact therapy dogs can have.

Training for the Job

Of course, becoming a therapy dog takes work. Laszlo has completed multiple obedience and skills classes, including Puppy Manners, Puppy Agility, Rally Obedience, and Canine Good Citizen training (with a “Novice Tricks” ribbon to boot). With daily practice, he’s learning how to bring comfort and stability to every patient who needs him.

How You Can Be Part of It

If you’d like Laszlo to join you during an appointment, just let us know! Call us at 717-288-8118 or email info@lancastermfm.com to request his presence. And if you’d like to learn more about therapy dog training or KPETS’ volunteer opportunities, visit KPETS.org.

For more adorable updates, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

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