Pet Therapy Has Healing Power

Pet therapy is present at most Samaritan‑affiliated hospitals
and for nearly two decades dogs have walked through the
halls of Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center comforting
patients and staff as part of a pet therapy program.
Although the program took a hiatus during the
COVID‑19 pandemic, it is slowly coming back, starting with
therapy for staff.

A recent study published in the journal PLOS ONE shows
that a 10‑minute visit from a therapy dog can help relieve
patients’ pain in the emergency room.

The University of Saskatchewan study looked at emergency
room patients who were visited by a therapy dog. Those seen
by the canines reported less pain than those who did not
receive a therapy dog visit.

At Good Sam, the dogs currently visit staff weekly in the
Elizabeth Starker Cameron Healing Garden.

“You feel the stress melt off,” said Kiana Rust while visiting a
whippet named Jackson. “I work in the video monitoring
department. We get a lot of interaction over the screen, but
not a lot in person. I like being able to come say hello to
some of the staff.”

The program, which has been around since the mid‑1990s,
uses therapy dogs certified through the Alliance of Therapy
Dogs. Over time, the program grew to include other patient
care areas including the cancer center.

“I receive my therapy by looking out my window and seeing
employees engaging with the pet therapy dogs,” said
Luanne Barnes, director of volunteer services. “It is really
heartwarming as it benefits coworkers and the patients
they care for.”

Currently nine dogs and handlers participate in the
program with at least two scheduled for each of the
sessions with staff.

“You can just see the staff member relax,” said Melinda
Gibbins, volunteer coordinator. “You can see their mind
empty and just focus on that immediate moment.”
Staff members pet and snuggle with the dogs and engage
in conversations with their handlers during the current
lunch time sessions.

“Coming out, petting a dog and getting some love, reminds
you that this is a loving environment,” said Marissa Alger,
clinic technician.