I've seen the patients lay their heads on top of the dogs and put their arms around them and hold, them. Three years ago, she approached administrators, who agreed to try pet therapy after clearing it with the state's department of health. In the beginning, Tuccio said the doctors were a little skeptical, but no longer. Griffin Hospital uses only certified dogs, who meet with their owners every Sunday morning in the hospital lobby. Sometimes, there are as many as 12 dogs, of all breeds and sizes ranging from a white German shepherd to Tuccio's greyhounds to a golden retriever, a Welsh Corgi, a West Highland terrier, and a Rottweiler.
Some patients prefer smaller dogs, while others like the big breeds.
If they're given the nod, the owner brings his dog to the patient's bed or wheelchair and the interaction begins. Patients often talk about the pet at home they miss or how appreciative they are for the visit. I've seen tears of joy,' she recounts. Dogs don't see what people see. They don't see a broken arm or a missing leg or a scar, which may make a patient embarrassed.