MONROE - Each week for nearly a year, dogs from Monroe Clinic's therapy dog program have comforted patients and staff alike.
Paws for Healing began at Monroe Clinic in July of 2016 with two therapy dogs and three volunteers. Now, the program is hoping to add three more dogs to meet with more patients.
"We've had a wonderful response from both the staff and the patients," said Dawn Meier, volunteer services coordinator at the clinic. "I don't know who loves it more, actually."
Meier said the program helps to alleviate anxiety and depression among patients, while staff members are offered a chance to reduce stress.
Meier said the program took some months to put together but had next to no opposition from any quarter.
"The program is based on similar programs at other hospitals," Meier said.
While the program began with dogs only providing inpatient support, Paws for Healing recently expanded its scope to visit the clinic's Behavioral Health wing.
"We'd love to get more dogs in here," Meier said. "We'd love to have dogs here every day, or expand into other areas of the clinic like the waiting area."
Currently, only two dogs are certified to work in the program: Susie, who visits once every other week, and Emma, a 10-year-old Gordon setter who visits the clinic every week with her owner, Kay Carter.
Carter said Emma, a rescue dog she adopted four years ago, also provides therapeutic visits for hospice patients and visits the Juda school district periodically for students to read to her.
Emma, Carter's third therapy dog, is not easily excitable, Carter said, but is quick to approach strangers for pets and treats.
"They all have their own personalities," Carter said.
Meier said three additional dogs should be certified as therapy dogs by the end of September. The certification process requires proof of examinations and immunizations, temperament checks and obedience training, while volunteers must undergo a background check and health assessment.
"Anyone who feels their dog's a good fit is welcome, as long as they're willing to undergo the process," Meier said.
Meier said she is also seeking volunteers for the Clinic's "Comfort Companions" program, where people visit dementia or Alzheimer's patients and talk and interact with them.
Residents interested in volunteering for the Clinic can contact Meier at (608) 324-1569 or at dawn.meier@monroeclinic.org.
Paws for Healing began at Monroe Clinic in July of 2016 with two therapy dogs and three volunteers. Now, the program is hoping to add three more dogs to meet with more patients.
"We've had a wonderful response from both the staff and the patients," said Dawn Meier, volunteer services coordinator at the clinic. "I don't know who loves it more, actually."
Meier said the program helps to alleviate anxiety and depression among patients, while staff members are offered a chance to reduce stress.
Meier said the program took some months to put together but had next to no opposition from any quarter.
"The program is based on similar programs at other hospitals," Meier said.
While the program began with dogs only providing inpatient support, Paws for Healing recently expanded its scope to visit the clinic's Behavioral Health wing.
"We'd love to get more dogs in here," Meier said. "We'd love to have dogs here every day, or expand into other areas of the clinic like the waiting area."
Currently, only two dogs are certified to work in the program: Susie, who visits once every other week, and Emma, a 10-year-old Gordon setter who visits the clinic every week with her owner, Kay Carter.
Carter said Emma, a rescue dog she adopted four years ago, also provides therapeutic visits for hospice patients and visits the Juda school district periodically for students to read to her.
Emma, Carter's third therapy dog, is not easily excitable, Carter said, but is quick to approach strangers for pets and treats.
"They all have their own personalities," Carter said.
Meier said three additional dogs should be certified as therapy dogs by the end of September. The certification process requires proof of examinations and immunizations, temperament checks and obedience training, while volunteers must undergo a background check and health assessment.
"Anyone who feels their dog's a good fit is welcome, as long as they're willing to undergo the process," Meier said.
Meier said she is also seeking volunteers for the Clinic's "Comfort Companions" program, where people visit dementia or Alzheimer's patients and talk and interact with them.
Residents interested in volunteering for the Clinic can contact Meier at (608) 324-1569 or at dawn.meier@monroeclinic.org.