Instead, think of it as a boost to patient morale. Shriners started a pet therapy program in 1990 that is doing wonders for the children. At Shriners the pet therapy program, which is coordinated by the local chapter of Therapy Dogs International and Tri-states Caring Canines, has helped preschoolers move their bandaged hands for the first time, and instilled confidence in teenagers who are recovering from burn injuries. At Shriners, the dogs visit the patients as a group on Sunday afternoons. The dogs travel from one patient to another with tails wagging and ears flopping.
Hospitalization can be tough on kids.
When the dogs come on the unit, the children quickly become interested in them, asking questions about them and sharing their own dog stories. The pet therapy program has shown that dogs become buddies almost instantly with most of the children. The dogs accept and love these kids unconditionally, and they give young patients a real boost in self-esteem. In addition to the visits at Shriners, TSCC visit Children's Hospital Medical Center, Drake Center, VA Hospital, nursing homes and hospices in the area. No payment is ever sought or received from the family, the U.S. government or any third-party for services rendered in our hospitals.