Therapets

Pet therapy consists of patient visits by specially trained and certified dogs. These gentle creatures are part of the Summit Healthcare staff whose number one job is to comfort patients – it has been proven that patient recovery is accelerated by having regular contact with pets. The first time a dog prances into the hospital, most people do a double take. A second later, broad smiles stretch across faces. Regardless of how patients look or feel, the dogs are happy to see them.

Summit Healthcare works with Therapets of the White Mountains to provide pet visits to patients and families. Our handlers and dogs are certified by Therapy Dogs International Inc. The handlers are volunteers for the hospital.

Visiting with animals can help people feel less lonely, and less depressed. Visits from dogs can provide a welcome change from routine, or the renewal of old friendships. People become more active and responsive both during and after visiting with animals.

An animal visit can offer entertainment, or a welcome distraction from pain and infirmity. People often talk to the dogs, and share with them their thoughts and feelings and memories. Animal visits provide something to look forward to. Stroking a dog or cat can reduce a person's blood pressure. Petting encourages use of hands and arms, stretching and turning. It gives people a common interest and provides a focus for conversation. A dog pays little attention to age or physical ability, but accepts people as they are. The benefits continue even after the visit. The visit leaves behind memories not only of the visit, but of past experiences.

A personal experience from a grateful parent. “My 14 year old had just had an emergency appendectomy at midnight, August 22. She was in an ICU room because there was not a room available on med-surg for a minor. Tuesday, the 24th, she was still there and feeling down because of missing school, and cheerleading. She had just heard she was not going to be able to cheer the next few games, and just didn’t feeling well. She was visited by the pet therapy gal and her dog. They really boosted her spirits - The dog was gentle and obedient and her owner was sweet. Thanks to the pet therapy team.”