The Healing Power of Paws: Therapy Dogs Bring Joy to Hospital Staff and Patients
In an innovative response to the stress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ascension Sacred Heart Bay in Panama City, Fla., has launched a transformative therapy dog program. Since its inception in January 2023, this initiative has evolved from a simple pick-me-up to a full-scale force of comfort, offering relief and joy to hospital staff and patients alike.
A Unique Approach to Hospital Support
The therapy dog program began as a way to bring some positivity into the lives of associates who faced the daily pressures of working in healthcare. The founder of the program, Michelle Moore, explained that these dogs provide invaluable moments of joy, allowing overwhelmed staff to take a brief respite from their demanding roles. "It just really makes a difference for them to have that break to see a therapy dog," she noted.
From One Dog to a Therapy Troupe
What started with a single dog has blossomed into a troupe of ten certified therapy dogs that staff and patients have come to love. Each dog is well-trained and behaves just like a part of the team. Hospital staff can often be heard calling out for their favorites, such as Butter and Lexie, demonstrating the special bond that has developed between the dogs and the hospital community.
The Impact of Canine Companionship
The efficacy of the program extends beyond simple joy. Earnie Via, a K-9 certified master trainer and the proud owner of therapy dog Lexie, shared a poignant story about a patient who, initially unresponsive, began to engage and even laugh upon seeing the therapy dogs. "It just made a big difference," he remarked, highlighting the role these canines play in not just uplifting spirits, but also aiding in the healing process.
A Message of Love and Kindness
The therapy dogs embody unconditional love and kindness, serving as reminders of the importance of connection and empathy during difficult times. As Earnie aptly put it, "With the world condition today, we need some love out here, and these dogs bring that love." This sentiment resonates throughout the staff and patients, making the therapy dog program not just an initiative, but a movement towards healing in an unprecedented era.
The program’s influence doesn’t end at the hospital doors; these therapy dogs also spread joy in schools, nursing homes, assisted living centers, and local events, reinforcing the notion that sometimes the best medicine comes on a leash.
