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When it’s dog day at Lee Memorial Hospital people stop and take notice. Mary Ann
Ritter is the Coordinator for a pet therapy program Southwest Florida. The
organization uses pet therapy to ease the stress of patients in area hospitals.
“The animals seem to have something in them that people will respond to,” says
Mary Ann. Terry Pollock is a member and volunteer with the pet therapy program.
She says, “We’ve had so many people say it’s just the brightest part of their
day.” The canines and their companions visit patients regularly and are part of
a national program called Pet Therapy Incorporated. Mary Ann says, “We have
visitations with patients who are lonely and miss their dogs. There’s something
about the presence of the dog that I have actually seen people start coming out
of comas we touch their hands to them.” With a bountiful list of breeds and a
plethora of personalities, these dogs are sure to put a smile on the face of
almost any patient. Terry says her tea-cup poodle Muppet is tailor made for pet
therapy. “Muppet she just wants to cuddle with the person and there’s just each
dog has its own personality and spirit that just brings a new something for fun
to the patients.” Lois Lynn has been a member of Therapy Dogs Inc. for several
years. She says patients, “ask can you put the dog on the bed with me and of
course Monty will get up on the bed right with them and lie down right beside
them.” And according to the owners, the dogs don’t seem to mind the visits
either. “All I have to do at home though is take out the red vest and he can
hardly stand it until he gets it on, “says Lois. Mary Ann says it’s just as
therapeutic for the animals as it is for the patients. “The dogs love it they
get attention and treats and the people get to show off their dogs and the
patients just love the dogs.” The program is always looking for new volunteers.
For more information you can call (239)-939-0967. Dogs with Pet Therapy Inc. are
insured and are required to go through a period of observation and temperament
testing before they can officially become a pet therapy animal. |
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