Pets as therapy

When I lived in New Orleans my husband and I handled two therapy dogs (they were both retired search and rescue dogs). We visited LTC facilities and the pediatrics ward at my hospital where I worked as an EMT. The residents at the facilities delighted in our visits - sometimes the care staff said that was the only time they would talk - while petting our dogs and telling us about their beloved pets. Disoriented agitated residents would calm down while petting the dog. There were those who didn't want the dogs in their rooms and we knew which rooms to avoid.

The pediatric ward was wonderful - the dogs came to a central area, not in the rooms - for however long we were there, the kids forgot they were attached to an IV pump or whatever was going on in their lives at the time.

I also visited as a safety clown and did magic tricks, etc. I think they liked the dogs better

I work in LTC and we have pet therapy dogs that come in weekly. The response is wonderful; often those who have tuned out of life tune back in briefly when the pets arrive. Have worked at a facility in the past that had adopted the Eden Alternative and we had cats, a dog, rabbit, birds, fish which the residents were responsible for { with staff guidance }. The elders loved it and I wish more places would adopt it.

Without a doubt it is beneficial for patients!

i have been blessed to have the most wonderful dog in my life. he is my german sheperd, sinbad. he is now 9 years old and slowing down a bit, so i do not take him with me to work as much as i used to. he is 125#, black and silver and most amazing animal. he has never had any formal therapy training, but just seems to know when i take him into my ltc's, that he is going to "work"

he stays right by my side, no leash needed. seems to know which residents just need a touch from his muzzle, pushes his nose under their hand as to say "it's okay to pet me"

he is slowing downa bit, and the shiny slick floors scare him, but he still has that healing sense that he possesses.

so, at night, when i come home from a hard night, and he greets me with hugs and kisses, he is my own personal therapy

When I lived in New Orleans my husband and I handled two therapy dogs (they were both retired search and rescue dogs). We visited LTC facilities and the pediatrics ward at my hospital where I worked as an EMT. The residents at the facilities delighted in our visits - sometimes the care staff said that was the only time they would talk - while petting our dogs and telling us about their beloved pets. Disoriented agitated residents would calm down while petting the dog. There were those who didn't want the dogs in their rooms and we knew which rooms to avoid.

The pediatric ward was wonderful - the dogs came to a central area, not in the rooms - for however long we were there, the kids forgot they were attached to an IV pump or whatever was going on in their lives at the time.

I also visited as a safety clown and did magic tricks, etc. I think they liked the dogs better

I think it's just great that you did this..that's very inspiring! Thanks for sharing. :)

When my mom was sick and in the hospital there was a dog named Stella that came around the hospital and many patients looked forward to it. I know my mom brightened up and for a short time had something else to talk about besides her illness. I still have the card from the lady who had the dog in my wallet.

Her doc wrote an order for her dog (cocker spaniel) to visit her.

How wonderful is that!