NCH Animal-Assisted Therapy Program seeks dog/owner teams

Posted July 02, 2018 11:00 pm

Submitted by Northwest Community Healthcare

Patient Frank Sesko of Inverness enjoys some time with Levi, an animal-assisted therapy dog, during physical therapy on the Rehab Unit at Northwest Community Hospital. Courtesy of Northwest Community Healthcare

Sometimes being able to pet and cuddle a dog makes everything feel better. It's also nice to be visited by a furry friend while hospitalized.

That's why for more than a decade, dogs and their volunteer handlers have been brightening patients' spirits at Northwest Community Healthcare, and more dogs and handlers are needed to join the Animal-Assisted Therapy Program.

Animal-Assisted Therapy dogs can soothe patients, improve mood, lower blood pressure and more, according to the latest health care research.

"Pet therapy has been proven to reduce depression, anxiety, pain and fatigue in patients with a variety of health conditions, as well as reinforce rehabilitation goals," says Leslie J. LaBelle, R.N., MSN, MBA, a licensed dog trainer and evaluator with The Joint Commission, a health care accrediting organization.

In 2017, NCH volunteer handlers and their dogs made more than 11,400 patient visits at NCH. Currently, there are 60 dog teams, with plans to add 15 more.

"After being part of this wonderful program for 10 years, I would have to say it is rewarding not only to the patients and staff, but to me," says Animal-Assisted Therapy Program Manager Kathy King, who visits patients with her brindle hound mix Guinness, who usually sports a fancy hat. King's other dog - Guinness' brother Caesar - also visits patients.

"You can see the difference you make on the faces of all who visit with the dogs."

Patient Frank Sesko of Inverness enjoyed visits from the Animal-Assisted Therapy dogs while he spent nearly a month in the NCH Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit recovering from surgery.

"It's spirit-lifting is what it is," Sesko said, while petting Levi, a 9-pound Cavapoo owned by volunteer Heidi Shor. "They're always so cute."

King says dogs have to qualify to be in the program.

Dogs need to:

• Have basic obedience training;

• Respond to voice commands;

• Walk on a loose leash;

• Refrain from jumping or barking;

• Be at least 18 months old.

Applications are being accepted through July 9, and qualifiers must go through a two-hour temperament and obedience evaluation by professional dog trainers from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at a cost of $30. Three-day training for qualifiers is $125 and will be Oct. 6, 7 and 13 at the hospital.

For information, contact Kathy King at (847) 618-7968 or k2king@nch.org.

Clarice, who is an animal-assisted therapy dog at Northwest Community Hospital, has been a favorite among patients, helping to spread smiles and boost spirits. Courtesy of Northwest Community Healthcare

Levi, one of many animal-assisted therapy dogs, spends a minimum of two hours, twice a month, visiting with patients at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights. Courtesy of Northwest Community Healthcare

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