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Published September 24, 2007 02:17 pm - Man’s best friend could become man’s, or woman’s, best healer. LOVE and BARKS Pets provide therapy By BRAD DICKERSON Glasgow Daily Times GLASGOW — Man’s best friend could become man’s, or woman’s, best healer.
T.J. Samson Community Hospital will implement its “Paws for Healing” initiative in October, which is pet therapy aimed at boosting the morale of patients. Studies show that the support service also helps lower an individual’s blood pressure, combat feelings of isolation, provide a source of laughter and encourage the use of hand and arm movement by petting the animal, according to information from T.J. Samson. “We’re excited about it,” coordinator Sharon Dickerson said, adding that she began prep work for the program on March 17. There are also benefits to the staff, including the visiting animals offering an ease from the tension of regular work activities and creating something of a lighter mood amidst the seriousness of health care. “We have a lot (of staffers) who are real dog lovers,” Dickerson said. Specific guidelines will have to be followed for all dog handlers who want to volunteer at the hospital. They include not allowing the animals in departments like emergency and surgical, no visits during meals and making sure the pets are free from external parasites. Dickerson said so far the hospital has 14 dogs ready to be of service to the patients. One of them is Gus, a Yorkshire Terrier owned by Glasgow resident Betty Driver. The animal has been with Driver since August 2005, which followed the death of her husband in January of that year. “He’s just been great for me,” Driver said. “He’s brought me love and joy.” A member of South Green Street Church of Christ, Driver has participated in her church’s visitation program, which led to volunteering as a handler at T.J. Samson. “Well, that would be something great for me to participate in with Gus,” she said. For more information, call 651-4819. 
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