From The Columbus Dispatch: The Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center has launched a new therapy dog program. Many hospitals have therapy dogs to visit patients, although most such programs have been suspended due to COVID19. What makes Wexner’s program different is that these dogs are there for the caregivers, not the patients.
Four dogs, each of whom has a family member who works at Wexner, are currently involved, although they hope to expand the program to 12 dogs. The dogs and their handlers wander the halls and visit nursing units, giving hugs and comfort to employees who are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress due to the heavy workload associated with Corona on top of their normal duties.
If you’re thinking you’ve heard of the program before, you may be right if you are on Twitter. The photo of Shiloh (above) was posted by Dr. Shari Dunaway in November with the caption, “My hospital hired an employee whose only job is to go around saying hi to other employees while they work.”
Such a great idea at a much needed time.
Point of personal privilege: Congrats to Ohio State on making it to the national football championship! Go Bucks!
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!