Furry Friends bring love to Hospice patients

Furry Friends bring love to Hospice patients THOMASVILLE, GA (WALB) - Many of us treat our pets like children, providing them with the same love and care that we give to those in our family. Furry Friends, a brand new Hospice dog therapy group, is helping bring love to Hospice patients. Some of the therapy dogs are actually rescue dogs using their second chance to help others, but not every dog can become a therapy dog. Now with 17 certified therapy dogs, organizers say the program is really starting to take off. Pet therapy animals are also not for every patient. In case we do therapy with children," said BarkBusters Dog Trainer Leigh Ann Falconer. Blood pressure comes down. About a year ago, Hospice of Southwest Georgia and local dog trainers came up with the idea to use dogs as therapy for Hospice patients. They need to have an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Certification in addition to complete a dog therapy test. It also involves getting used to wheel chairs, medical equipment, and children. Certainly you know dogs are a mans most excellent friend, but I think there is a lot of medical benefits as well," said Hospice Physician Lorie Hodges Garrett. "We have so many great dogs here and we wanted people to have the opportunity to share those pets with something great like volunteering for Hospice just to bring happiness and joy to a family maybe having a hard time," said Garrett. Studies have shown that interaction with dogs can relieve agitation, anxiety, and stress. As the Hospice team gets to know the patient, they may recommend pet therapy as a possible treatment option. Hospice of Southwest Georgia will hold pet therapy training classes for new volunteers and their pets this spring. Furry Friends bring love to Hospice patients Trade News selected by Local Linkup on 22/03/2012