Hospital is using a therapy dog to comfort stressed health professionals during the pandemic
With the outbreak of COVID-19, medical staff around the world are being put under increasing pressure as the number of people suffering from the coronavirus continues to grow. Unfortunately, many doctors, nurses, and medical personnel have little choice but to work long hours in horrible conditions, often at high risk of being infected with the virus. A hospital in Colorado is trying to help relieve this stress.
The staff at Rose Medical Center get some much-needed emotional support
Rose Medical Center, a Denver-area hospital, has started using a therapy dog named Wynn for this purpose. Wynn, a one-year-old yellow Labrador, is receiving training from Dr. Susan Ryan. Dr. Ryan works in the emergency room at the hospital.
Wynn has been in training for situations like this
Wynn has been with Dr. Ryan since she was only eight weeks old. Ryan initially took Wynn to the hospital to support patients, but with the coronavirus outbreak, Wynn has taken on an even more important role. Now, she also serves as an emotional support dog for the many doctors and nurses who work at the hospital.
Wynn has been set up in an office
Wynn currently works from a social worker’s office at the facility, where doctors and nurses in need of comfort can visit her whenever they need a break from the stresses of the job. The room has been outfitted with low lights, and soothing music plays in the background to try to help staff relax. And, of course, Wynn is there to help them relax even more.
“Seeing stuff and hearing stuff that you can’t unsee has an impact on you,” Dr. Ryan told CNN. “That’s where the dogs come in. When you are in the presence of the dog and petting them, you are taking a moment to ground yourself at that present time.”
Dr. Ryan has been working with Canine Companions for Independence to train Wynn
While Wynn has yet to complete her training, Dr. Ryan is fostering her and helping her prepare for her life as an emotional support dog. Dr. Ryan is training Wynn in conjunction with Canine Companions for Independence as part of one of the organization’s programs. For more information on Canine Companions for Independence, visit the organization’s Facebook page.
The next step for Wynn
Once Wynn is 18 to 22 months old, she will be transferred to a training center to complete her training. Then it is a simple matter of placing Wynn in a home with someone who needs her and the services she provides. Canine Companions for Independence gives the support dogs that they train to adults, children, and veterans with disabilities free of charge.
Wynn is providing a much-needed service
While she is still in-training, Wynn is gaining valuable experience by helping the patients, doctors, nurses, and other staff members deal with the stresses of the coronavirus pandemic. Watch the video below for more on this emotional support dog-in-training and how she is helping make life easier for those dedicated to fighting COVID-19 at Rose Medical Center.
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H/T: I Heart Dogs, People