It's just what the doctor ordered, wag therapy and it can be found at five CHI hospitals in the metro. The four-legged volunteers are hitting the hospitals as a way to help heal patients, and bring a smile to people's faces.
The dogs are seen as a welcome distraction from the stress of a trip to the hospital. Mental health practitioner Kris Wiley says it is amazing what seeing and petting a dog can do. "It can reduce anxiety. It reduces people's blood pressure. Having a dog will cause our body to start to release oxcytocin, which is a feel good hormone."
Wiley says dogs can even help make the body heal. "I know they have made exceptions for dogs to actually be in a patient's room briefly because they know it helps promote the healing process."
The volunteer pups will provide their 'wag therapy' to patients, visitors and hospital employees while at the hospitals. The next pack meeting is Tuesday, January 30th at Lakeside Hospital from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM.