Doctor of Social Work Capstone Reports

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Browsing Doctor of Social Work Capstone Reports by Subject "Assistance dog"

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    Supporting Clients Through Loss: Exploring Best Practices of Accredited Assistance Dog Organizations
    (2025) DeSantis, Dena; Cheatham, Leah; Hoy-Gerlach, Janet
    "Introduction/Background: This study describes the practices in place at United States- based assistance dog organizations accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) (N=21) to assist and support clients who have experienced the loss of their assistance dog either through death or retirement. Methods: The target population was identified through the ADI Membership List. Each organization received an email inviting a representative to participate in a semi-structured interview. The interview protocol was developed based on existing literature examining the impact of a partner’s relationship ending with their assistance dog. In addition, input was solicited from professionals affiliated with the Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement, assistance dog advocacy and education, and individual assistance dog partners who had experienced such a loss. Using thematic analysis, researchers coded the interviews to identify recurrent themes and practices. Results: The findings highlight the importance of the partner’s relationship with the assistance dog organization as a primary protective factor in mitigating a loss that is frequently not well understood by others. This lack of understanding outside the assistance dog community contributes to the partners’ experience of disenfranchised grief about the end of their relationship with their assistance dog and underscores the need for assistance dog organizations to implement strategies to help clients through the grieving process. Discussion: The practices identified by the assistance dog organizations interviewed for this study indicate assisting clients to maintain a meaningful connection with the assistance dog after its passing or retirement can bring comfort, support emotional healing, and provide a sense of closure, as the dog played an important role in the client's life and daily functioning. By acknowledging and nurturing this ongoing bond, clients can process their grief in a healthier way and feel more supported in adjusting to the loss."