Something to Bark About
Source: Quill, 2002
Dog is man's best friend. That statement could
not be more true than at Pennsylvania Hospital
where three lovable canines - a Newfoundland,
a Golden Retriever, and a Shetland Shepherd -
are actively involved in patient care through
the hospital's Assisted Animal Therapy program.
Assisted Animal Therapy is the use of person-animal
teams, usually cats or dogs, to help facilitate
healing and recovery for patients at the hospital.
The pets and their handlers provide a source
of activity, affection, and interaction for hospital
patients through visits on a one-on-one basis
or in a group setting. Oftentimes, the pet visitation
has a therapeutic effect as well as a psychological
benefit. Patients can't help but smile and have
their spirits lifted when they hug a dog and
see a tail wag or hold a cat and hear it purr.
Since patient safety is of the utmost importance
at Pennsylvania Hospital, all pets must undergo
rigorous testing by a certified Assisted Animal
Therapy agency before being selected to serve.
In addition, pet owners must also complete an
orientation and be processed by Pennsylvania
Hospital's Volunteer Services Department.
|
