Therapy Pet Visits
August 26, 2020
Belly rubs, head scratches and smiles were in abundance during a recent shift change at UT Health Tyler, as caregivers coming on or off duty stopped to interact with Therapet dogs, who lined the hallway of the hospital’s skywalk.
“Nowadays it’s really stressful, so it’s great to see dogs,” said Ashley Meador, occupational therapy assistant, as she stopped to pet one of the therapy dogs after her shift ended. “I really want a dog, so it made all the difference.”
Therapet partners with UT Health East Texas to serve patients on a regular basis. However, when those visits ceased because of COVID-19, Therapet Executive Director Elysia Reineck said they tried to get creative in how to provide assistance.
“Both the human volunteers and the dogs, they very much miss the interaction,” Reineck said. “We are grateful to the amazing employees of UT Health East Texas for the long and stressful hours they’ve put in over the past few months to help keep our community stay safe and well. We’re excited to have the opportunity to say ‘thank you’ in person and provide some hugs from the Therapet dogs.”
Donna Atwood, director of outpatient surgery, said the visit was a great mood booster at the end of a long shift.
“I feel so supported and it’s just a wonderful opportunity to be able to literally have access to something that’s therapeutic, and we know the facility is supporting us,” Atwood said.
Register your Dog Schedule a Visit
Recent News
Students Get Therapy Dog
When middle school students return to class on Jan. 11, they’ll find a new face at the door: Daisy. Daisy is a therapy dog and the personal pet of Rob Kreger, principal of the Rock L. Butler Middle School. The five-year-old golden retriever is not a school pet or mascot, but rather a working dog […]
Therapy Dogtor
Last March, Caroline Benzel, a third-year medical student, began to notice the stress and discomfort her nurse friends were feeling from the pressures of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. “[Personal protective equipment] can be really rough on the skin,” Benzel, 31, tells PEOPLE. Benzel and her 3-year-old Rottweiler, Loki (who’s also a therapy dog) hatched a […]
Therapy Dog Pups
When Stanley the miniature fox terrier’s owner passed away, the little dog started a ‘paw-some’ new role – bringing puppy love to some of the Gold Coast’s oldest residents. After Carinity Cedarbrook Diversional Therapist Julianne Staff adopted Stanley, he began visiting the aged care community at Mudgeeraba as a therapy dog. Therapy dogs help to […]
Therapy Dogs At School
Those who own a dog can attest to their ability to lift mood, improve stress and bring joy by simply being there, unanswering, seemingly all-knowing and always delighted to see you. Therapy animals are known for their calm and comforting nature, giving people a way to relax, de-stress and interact with a loving pet. They […]
Wonder Dog
For those of us with dogs, we know they quickly become major parts of the family. You live for and care for just like one of your own children, and one dog right here in Oklahoma City is beating the odds, and helping others recover as a therapy dog, despite all of the issues he’s […]
Scott And Charlie
Cherokee Middle School students may do a little more “doodling” second semester starting this month (January), but also will improve their attendance marks because of a special attraction at the school, courtesy of Principal Scott Aden. Aden, an effective, caring administrator, has acquired and will house and handle a young female Golden Doodle (Charlie) that […]
Hope For Veterans
E5 Therapy opened in April with a different way to help veterans in therapy. They offer canine-assisted therapy along with talk therapy to veterans and veterans’ families in Solano County. Owner Matthew Decker is a licensed clinical social worker in Northern California, focused on helping veterans achieve their mental health goals. Along with his team, […]