Puppy Love in the Hospital Hallways

Several times over the past few days I've watched therapy dogs and their owners travel through the hallways of the hospital where I work.   

The well-behaved dogs, proudly sporting handsome blue coats identifying their special role, walk through the crowded corridors with purpose.  They have a job, and they seem anxious to get on with it.

I love the concept of therapy pets.  I have every confidence that they do a world of good as they work with our patient population.  But it's more than that.  Staff and visitors alike smile as the dogs pass by.  In fact, it's difficult to find even one stoic face in the crowd. 

Just catching a glimpse of those furry, friendly faces makes my whole day better.

Here's to puppy love.

Comments

[jen]

Our hospital has a wonderful group of pet therapy dogs. When we recently lost one to a sudden illness, the staff grieved just as much as if they had lost a patient.

It's a wonderful thing watching the therapy dogs work with the patients and staff. And when they have extra time, to have them come into the administrative offices just for a petting session, it's a rare treat that we cherish.

[Rita]

Ooh - I wish they came to visit our offices!! We're a bit too far off the beaten path I suppose.

[jan from Alaska]

Hi Rita, nice article about doggies and humans. I am all for the concept of therapy dogs. But, having just finished some reading on pet psychology and animal behavior, I have to add some food for thought on being aware that our personal values, goals and desires flow over onto the "dependent" canine species. Sometimes our altruistic goals make undue pressure and stress on our doggies. Dogs are a separate and distinct species and are loaded with a different set of "norms." What and how we exhibit feelings of kindness or happiness, in a dog can be something very different.

For example, that was a cute picture in the blog of the girl and puppy nose to nose. The girl is smiling, and it appears the puppy is smiling back. Actually blinking or squinting and licking and averting eyes are all ways dogs calm themselves in stressfull situations. I see at least two of those behaviors being exhibited by the puppy in that picture. It is good doggie behavior not to look another in the eyes, and actually it is a sign of aggression.

I am by no means an expert in animal behavior, I just wanted to point an interesting, philosophical aspect on what demands we place on the creatures who share this earth with us. We've been exploiting dogs for eons and they certainly have learned how to exploit us!
Cheers!

Your friend in Alaska. Bow wow wow.

[Rita Schwab]

Hi Jan from Alaska!

Thanks for the comment - good points about not needlessly stressing out our doggie friends. When I see the therapy dogs walking through our crowded hallways, I'm surprised that they don't appear to be stressed about being in the midst of so many people. I'm sure some breeds more easily adapt to the role than others.

Stay warm!

Rita