Advocate Spotlight
The Opposite of Addiction is Connection
In this edition of our Advocate Spotlight, NCAAR talked to Richard Dwyer about his remarkable therapy dog, Seamus. An Irish Field Setter with a nose for healing, Seamus helps to host Community in Crisis’ Canines for Recovery meetings, where he plays a vital role in supporting individuals on their journey in recovery by offering his comfort and deep sense of connection.
Richard shared a personal poem he wrote about their journey together. You can read “Seamus’s Unlikely Adventure” here.
All photos courtesy of Richard Dwyer.
NCAAR: Is there a personal story of recovery that inspired your involvement with service animals?
Richard Dwyer: My experience with dogs was limited to pets and Seeing-Eye Dogs—until I saw Seizure-Predicting and Seizure-Response Dogs participating in Special Surfers Night on Kennebunk Beach in Maine.
Special Surfer Night is an evening where special needs children and young adults are paired with surfers to ride the waves. Seizure Response Dogs are service dogs trained to assist people who experience epileptic and non-epileptic seizures.
It was this experience that got me curious about how Seamus could help people in a special way, and we enrolled in the Staten Island Companion Dog Training Club where we passed classes in obedience and Canine Good Citizen and achieved a Therapy Dog certification and four American Kennel Club (AKC) tricks titles.
NCAAR: How would you describe Seamus’ job?
RD: According to the The Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs website, their therapy dog teams “provide unconditional love, offer friendship, boost self-esteem, provide solace and relieve loneliness and boredom for children, adults, and senior citizens in a wide variety of circumstances.” A person in recovery who spends time with Seamus captured the impact of his job perfectly: “The moment I see how excited Seamus is to see me, all my worries melt away—I feel loved. He makes me feel trusted and good about myself, and he validates my emotions. I also feel a sense of responsibility to reassure him that he’s safe and that I’ll protect him. One of the best feelings is sharing—feeding him from my hand and teaching him tricks makes me laugh and feel connected.”
NCAAR: What makes Seamus especially suited for this kind of work?
RD: Seamus is an Irish Field Setter, a breed described by the AKC as sweet-tempered companions, with lovable personalities who are eager to please, and Seamus certainly has these attributes.
NCAAR: What does a typical day look like for Seamus when he’s on duty?
RD: On a typical workday, Seamus follows a routine consistent with his regular daily schedule of exercise, training and love. He goes on a long walk or “free dog” field run on a long leash, where he does a lot of sniffing. Next, we mix play with training, such as fetch and tug games, and then he scents for treats in the grass to relax. Then, Seamus will take a nap, and then he is ready to go to work.
NCAAR: How did Seamus get involved in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and recovery support? Was there specialized training or certification involved?
RD: Though there was no specialized training to work with people with SUD, I have been involved with the recovery community for over 30 years. As I learned and understood the value of therapy dogs, I realized I never saw a therapy dog at recovery meetings or events; and, when I saw the positive interaction and impact Seamus had on a person in recovery who is dear to our family, I thought that Seamus may be able to provide support and comfort for people in recovery and those with SUD.
NCAAR: How does Seamus help people feel safe, grounded, or supported during difficult moments?
RD: Dogs are renowned for their unconditional, nonjudgmental love, and I think people feel a sense from Seamus of, “I love you for who you are right here and now, please stay in this moment with me. The word “present” means a “moment in time” and a “gift,” share them both with me.”
NCAAR: Can you share a story where Seamus made a noticeable difference in someone’s recovery journey?
RD: After an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting, I noticed Seamus and a person in recovery forming a private and meaningful connection. Seamus and I met with this person for months as we learned about their journey in recovery, and I found that for many people with SUD, the drug of choice is not their problem; it is the solution to their pain. This person was a division 1 athlete who said, “I know what physical pain is from sports injuries, and I know how to deal with that. But I did not know what emotional pain was nor did I recognize I had emotional pain until I started drinking alcohol.”
NCAAR: Can Seamus sense emotional shifts, and how does he respond when someone is experiencing high stress? Is he able to detect potential relapse?
RD: According to a paper published in “Frontiers in Veterinary Science,” research has shown that dogs can detect human emotions through visual, auditory, and chemical channels and respond accordingly. Though Seamus is not able to detect potential relapse, he is learning to scent cortisol – a hormone linked to stress and anxiety, which can be early indicators of emotional distress that may lead to relapse. I have watched Seamus gently move toward people at meetings and softly nuzzle into them and after a few minutes, they are smiling, sharing, crying and laughing. I have seen people approach Seamus with their head down, shoulders slouched and a melancholy gait, then watch as their expressions transform into smiles and joy when Seamus starts chatter barking and “tap dancing” around them.
NCAAR: If Seamus could speak, what message do you think he would share with the world about people who use drugs and recovery?
RD: Don’t think of people with SUD as “junkies” or “low-lives.” They are human beings—many of whom became victims of overprescribed medications, especially opioids.
Avoid saying “get clean,” because they are not dirty. Instead of holding onto harmful stereotypes, take the time to educate yourself. Understand that many of these individuals are in deep pain, and substances became their way of coping. Pray that they find a healthier path to healing.
And when you encounter someone on the street, who may be living with SUD, if you feel safe and comfortable, offer a simple “Hi” or a nod. See them. Don’t look away. They are already burdened with loneliness, isolation, low self-esteem, and harsh judgment.
NCAAR: When Seamus is not working, what does he like to do for fun?
RD: Seamus loves to play, run through fields, or along the beach, swim, and rest. He is always eager to learn new tricks, and play scenting games, whether it’s tracking hidden treats or objects. He enjoys playing tug and fetch, and investigating plant and animal scents. Most of all, Seamus thrives on affection, and loves to get pet by both new and longtime friends.
NCAAR: Is Seamus available for visits or events? How can someone request his services?
RD: Yes, Seamus works at events, and we prefer outdoor environments in the Hudson County area. I can be contacted at richarddwyer6559@gmail.com. Organizations interested in therapy dog visits throughout New Jersey can contact The Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc., of Morris Plains, NJ.
NCAAR: We know Seamus attends the Canines for Recovery group therapy sessions at Community in Crisis (CiC). Can you tell us a little about that?
RD: Ken Musgrove, Director of Recovery Support at CiC, is always seeking new pathways to support individuals on their recovery journey. When I came across a Facebook post mentioning their interest in incorporating therapy dogs, I reached out. Canines for Recovery follows an “all recovery” meeting format, welcoming anyone who is in recovery, seeking recovery, or sustaining recovery for themselves, family members or loved ones. I believe Canines for Recovery is the only canine-friendly recovery meeting in New Jersey. It is held monthly at CiC’s Community Hub, located at:
9 Church Street
Bernardsville, New Jersey
Anyone interested in Canines for Recovery should contact
Sarah Popa, Peer Services Supervisor
Phone: 908-801-2123
Email: spopa@communityincrisis.org.