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Kewanna Gibbons scratches Lucy's belly during pet therapy Sept. 9.
Therapy Dogs Help Employees De-Stress
| Some very special four-legged volunteers are doing their part to relieve stress and boost morale among UAMS employees.
Stephanie Holder pets Riesling during pet therapy.
On the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, several canine members of the Special Pets Offering Therapy (SPOT) team trot to the UAMS Medical Center Lobby Gallery where they sit, lie down and roll over for employees who just need a short break from the day.
“I’m so glad that we’ve been able to offer this therapy to UAMS employees,” said Marcia Dunbar, volunteer coordinator. “These visits are good for our employees’ stress levels and also good for the dogs and their handers. I know our canine volunteers have missed being on campus, so this is a great opportunity for everyone.”
Summer Tacket holds Tula for some pets during pet therapy.
On Sept. 9, Tula, Riesling and Lucy were on hand to accept pats (and sometimes treats) as they dispensed affection to the Team UAMS members who had registered for an appointment.
“I loved meeting Riesling and spending a little time with her during a busy workday,” said Susan Van Dusen, a communications manager in the Cancer Institute. “She laid her head in my lap and almost fell asleep while I petted her. Getting to spend time with the therapy dogs is a great stress reliever and also a good way to learn about our pet therapy program.”
Each dog and handler sit in separate corners of the room to ensure proper physical distancing. One employee at a time can visit with each dog.
Heather Hardesty, R.N., said petting Lucy, a black and white standard poodle, was the best part of her day.
Riesling takes a nap while enjoying some pats in the Hospital Lobby Gallery.
Jamie Thornton, a program coordinator in Internal Medicine’s Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, agreed.
“It was so nice and refreshing to hang out with Lucy,” she said. “She was so sweet. There were treats available to give to the pups, and Lucy was a rock star at her tricks! Her handler gave me tips on how to train my pup to beg.”
Sarah Woodall, a program coordinator in Internal Medicine’s Division of Infectious Diseases, spent some time with Tula, a black miniature poodle.
“I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the therapy dogs,” she said. “It was so nice to spend a few minutes out of my day petting the dogs and meeting and talking with the owners. I would highly encourage others to take part in this opportunity!”
The next pet therapy session is from 2-3 p.m. on Sept. 23. Sign up here.