These pets have a mission for health

It’s well known that people enjoy numerous benefits from having pets beyond basic companionship. More studies and data show that pets help lower blood pressure and cholesterol and overall levels of stress. So it’s not surprising to see comfort or therapy dogs roaming the halls of hospitals, including The Miriam Hospital in Providence. (It’s not that cats aren’t capable of providing comfort, they are just more independent and harder to control.)

The evidence of a health connection between pets and humans suggests we need to pay more scientific attention to the forces at work – the relationship between pet and patient and mind and body. And according to an American Diabetes Association study, some dogs can even be trained  to detect insulin levels in their owners.

The pet therapy program at Miriam Hospital is “designed to minimize anxiety for patients and loved ones, reduce stress, alleviate loneliness and isolation and relieve depression and disorientation.” This is a  tall order for just about anyone, let alone a 12-pound terrier.

Dogs are carefully screened and complete a temperament test with a certified therapy program. The owner must also undergo a background check and comply with health regulations including proof of immunizations. Volunteers and pets wear a pet therapy badge at all times. 

Anyone interested in participating in the program should contact Miriam Hospital’s Volunteer Service Department at 401-793-2512.