Hospital Tails
Recently, I was admitted to the hospital for a prolonged reaction I had from several fire ant bites
. At first, I thought they would perform some tests, keep an eye on things, decide on the proper medications, and discharge me. That was not the case. I ended up staying for a total of eleven days.
Sunday was my week's anniversary at the hospital. My wife, Vida, was running a little late for her morning visit, but I waited patiently, so to speak, watching what little there was on TV that morning. But then I heard a commotion in the hall. It was not the same that I had become accustomed to.
For some reason, there was laughter and giggles and even the smiles could be heard as I tried to figure out what was going on. Something was different, the ho-hum melodrama of IV's being delivered, blood samples being taken, and charts being completed, a refreshing sign of life seemed to be lurking out there.
Soon, my normally closed door opened slowly and Vida stuck her head around the corner, sporting a bright, welcome face and I suddenly shared her eagerness - even though I didn't know what she had with her. She walked in and said "I have a surprise for you!" Vida was followed by a woman and, of all things, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Oliver.
Once I approved, and I did so without hesitation, Oliver was allowed up on my bed where he greeted me with a briskly-waging tail and a smile that was as wide open as the back of hospital gown. I played with him, petted his long, soft ears and and tried to understand hisinterest in me - someone he did not know although it seemed we were old friends. Before Oliver left, he proudly gave me a "high five" and happily proceeded to the next patient.
The visit was short but it was enough to breathe some new, fresh life into this bed-weary soul. Visitation dogs and their parents make up a special breed of their own. Both enjoy what they do and neither requires any special training.
However, the team is qualified through a behavioral/temperament test. The requirements include the ability to sit, stay and come when called. Another critical factor is that the pet parent must be able to maintain complete control of their dog at all times.
In a hospital environment, things can change abruptly and the patient's safety is the primary concern. Some patients do not qualify for a visit depending on the nature of their illness and condition.
"People get involved [with the dog visitation program] for various reasons," Deb Morrow, volunteer coordinator for the Central Florida SPCA said. "As with any volunteering, the biggest reason most people do it is for the feeling that they are doing something good for the community and helping people out."
Morrow is a former visitation volunteer and enjoyed the opportunity of volunteering without leaving her dog at home alone. "My dog also liked doing it," she explained. "He enjoyed the petting and would get excited to see all the people." Morrow also said that she got a good feeling herself knowing that her dog could make people smile.
Morrow added that other pet parents like to demonstrate that certain breeds can be kind and loving such as the pit bulls and rottweilers.
Through the local SPCA Pet Visitation Program (PVP), pet visits are made at several Florida Hospital campuses, Dr. Phillips Hospital, Nemour's Children's Clinic and at assisted living facilities.
Jill Mondry, director of the volunteer services at Nemour's, said that the pet visitation program their children's clinic in Orlando "warms the children's hearts when they feel anxious about receiving treatments or seeing a physician."
Mondry explained that program was designed to vhelp improve the physical, social and emotional well-being of the patients." One little girl being treated for cancer was not feeling very good one day," Mondry said. "But as soon as she sat down with one of the pet visitation dogs, she said 'I feel better already.' "
Morrow said that the biggest benefit to the patient is the temporary relief and distraction that the animals provide. "Children who are in pain and never smile, smile when the dogs come. Older people light up when they see the wagging tails."
Visitation dogs can leave a lasting impression on patients. Morrow explained that she was at an Alzheimer's facility and a woman she visited asked her what her name was six or seven times, but she remembered that Morrow had a dog with her the week before, who was not with her that week.
Heather Reasoner, Manager of Volunteer Services at Florida Hospital Altamonte, said that visitation dogs "bring so much happiness to our patients as well as our staff. We are blessed to have Oliver and his pet parents on our team."
If you are in the hospital like I was, or have a family member or friend who is, it may bring some pleasure to them if you ask the volunteer services at your facility about pet visitation. A friendly high-five from a loving dog will most likely help to brighten your day.
Hospital Tails
By: Bruce G. Larson
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