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People from all over are celebrating the completion of Scissortail Park. Lower Park opened on Friday and the festival is taking place all weekend.
Dogs are not only man’s best friends, but friends to everyone they come in contact with.
Their names are Groot, Hank and Eleanor and they are therapy dogs. Jennifer Shepherd says she has been training guide dogs for 40 years.
“Some dogs create chaos, our dogs don’t. Therapy dogs are typically trained to calm down,” Shepherd said.
Shepherd said she has been training her dog, Eleanor, for more than a month.
She said she sees how Eleanor and other therapy dogs can change someone’s day for the better.
“It calms them down. It literally lowers your blood pressure and puts you in a stress-free place when you touch them. The dog shows unconditional love,” Shepherd said.
Scissortail Park opened up an additional 32 acres of green space. People were exploring and celebrating, but ended the festivities with Self Care Sunday.
“We’re really trying to focus our efforts on the importance of mental health and time to recharge,” Kimberly Gamalski said.
The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse says about 300 Oklahomans receive urgent care or crisis mental health services each week. Park staff said they plan to provide more opportunities for people to relax.
“We’re always moving from one thing to another, and it’s hard to make time for yourself. It’s hard to take care of your mental health,” Gamalski said.
Along with some of their furry friends, they hope the new additions to the scissor can breathe and live in the moment.
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