PARAGOULD, Ark. — A local business has launched a unique resource for children with autism and their families, offering a sensory-friendly environment to interact with therapy dogs.
The Dog House, located in Paragould, recently opened “Tommy’s Room,” a calm and controlled space designed to meet the needs of children who benefit from sensory-friendly settings. The space is named in honor of the son of the business's owner, Macy Headley. Inspired by her son’s relationship with his therapy dog, Headley envisioned a way to extend that support to others in the community.
“I just wanted a space for kids with autism to come hang out with dogs and have like a sensory-friendly space for all their needs,” Headley said.
Tommy’s Room isn’t limited to children with autism. It’s also available for children and adults who may feel nervous or uncertain around dogs, providing a quiet and safe environment to build comfort and confidence with trained animals.
In addition to offering Tommy’s Room, The Dog House specializes in training autism assistance dogs. Staff work directly with families to match children with the right therapy dog, tailoring the process to individual needs.
To arrange a visit to Tommy’s Room, prospective visitors can call (870) 273-4546 or reach out to The Dog House online.
The creation of Tommy’s Room reflects a growing awareness of the benefits therapy animals can provide in supporting sensory, emotional, and social development for individuals with diverse needs.