Therapy dogs are dogs who go with their owners into hospitals, nursing homes, etc to spend some time with patients, just basically giving some affection and love. As we all know the affection you get from a dog is out of this world and completely different to that from a human and just being around pets has such a calming, uplifting effect. It has been found to greatly improve the spirits of people who may be in long term-care in hospitals/homes, children with learning disabilities, etc, people who may feel slightly isolated because of their circumstances. The Guide Dogs of Ireland train assistance dogs to work with families of children with autism to encourage the child in his/her social interaction. Dogs doing what they do best, a very worthy cause.