March 14, 2003

Although the MGH is perhaps best known for providing cutting-edge medical care, sometimes other forms of treatment can help heal a patient's body and soul. The MGH recently introduced a new kind of therapy not usually associated with a hospital setting — puppy love.

In a collaborative effort between the Department of Nursing and Volunteer Services, pet therapy now is being offered to patients who wish to have a friendly, furry visitor brighten their day. By bringing dogs to the bedside, patients have a reason to smile.

The MGH Pet Therapy Program provides an opportunity for patients to receive visits from specially trained dogs and their handlers. Dogs are required to meet all general health criteria established by the hospital. Both the dogs and their handlers must undergo an extensive screening process, which includes canine medical and behavioral evaluations from a certified veterinarian. Within the first three weeks of the launch of the program, there have been more than 40 visits from these dedicated doggies.

According to Mandi Coakley, RN, staff specialist for MGH Nursing, nurses have found that during and after visits from dogs, there has been an improvement in morale among patients and staff. These caring canines also help patients cope with the feelings of loneliness and isolation, stimulate physical activity and social interaction, and have a calming effect on patients.

Bobbi Evans, an MGH volunteer for more than 10 years, along with her black labrador retriever, Tabor, (shown above getting a little belly rub) has been part of the program since its inception and looks forward to her weekly visits. "This is Tabor's job, and instinctively he knows it," says Evans. "But the program is so much more than a job. It also allows patients, some who don't get many visitors, to open up and talk about their own pets. It is such a wonderful form of therapy. These dogs certainly bring new meaning to the saying, 'man's best friend.'"

Pet therapy has been shown to help patients achieve positive health effects by improving emotional and physical well-being as shown by increased relaxation, socialization, motivation and decreased heart rate and blood pressure. Other hospitals around the country also have taken part in a pet therapy program, and the results have been positive.

For more information about the MGH Pet Therapy Program, call Volunteer Services at (617) 726-8540.