Since 2007, the halls of West Tennessee Healthcare (WTH) have been filled with more than just the hustle and bustle of healthcare – thanks to the dog therapy program, they’re also filled with wagging tails and wet noses! These pups are on a mission to bring joy and spread love in a way that only furry friends can.
This heartwarming initiative began in the pediatric unit, inspired by the proven benefits of pet therapy in reducing stress and providing comfort to patients and their families. After spending time in the pediatric unit and seeing the dogs’ incredible impact on the patients, there was nothing to do but grow. Today, more than ten different therapy dogs visit all parts of the hospital – admissions, nurses, patients, providers–everyone gets the chance to play with the adorable pups.
The impact of these visits is truly remarkable. Patients and staff alike look forward to the dogs’ visits, which happen somewhere on the campus about twenty times a month. The presence of a therapy dog can lift spirits, reduce feelings of loneliness, and bring a sense of calm and overall well-being. One touching story of the impact of a therapy dog happened recently. While visiting with a therapy dog, a particular patient was all smiles and chatting non-stop. Through tearful eyes, the patient’s nurse expressed her gratitude for the program because she hadn’t seen the patient smile and had barely heard her speak during the five days she had been there. The dog was able to bring out a side of the patient that traditional healthcare service couldn’t.
The dogs themselves are as diverse as the people they visit. From golden retrievers to doodles, schnauzers, and mixed breeds, any dog with the right temperament can join the program. Each dog is carefully screened by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs to ensure they’re suited for the job. This includes a variety of assessments to test the dog’s temperament in different social settings. The dogs are the handlers’ pets and each handler is a volunteer who’s screened by WTH and accompanies their dog during the rounds on campus.
Katie Chandler, who has been the volunteer coordinator for 18 years, is lucky enough to see the positive impact of dog therapy almost daily. “Every visit brings joy and a much-needed break,” she says. “Every single encounter is positive and precious.”
Looking ahead, the program hopes to expand to more locations and eventually have dogs and handlers in every WTH facility. The program expansion to the Paris campus is a great first start and, hopefully, the first of many.
Sometimes healthcare can be physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging. The dog therapy program at WTH is a reminder of the simple yet powerful ways that love–and a wagging tail–can make a difference. So, next time you see a therapy dog in the hospital, take advantage of the warmth they bring—because sometimes, a furry friend is just what the doctor ordered.
