Former pediatric patient Alison Darling agrees. I have a dog at home, and when she wasn't there, it was nice to have other dogs around. It made it easier somehow. Mayo oncologist Dr. Edward Creagan says that there's a special kind of connection that occurs between patients and animals. Patients who are struggling emotionally find that pets can take their minds off personal problems.
Pets also seem to make the hospital environment more welcoming.
Patients and visitors who are uncomfortable in hospitals find that animals can ease their jangled nerves. You usually don't see animals in hospitals. The sense of normalcy that pets bring when they visit can make patients happier and more comfortable. Patients who have long-term stays in the hospital seem to appreciate pet visits the most. Alison says that the pet visits were some of her best memories at Mayo.