Roswell Park has seven therapy dogs that visit the main hospital regularly.
If there’s a group of people gathered together, speaking excitedly in the lobby of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, or near one of the clinics, it’s not because there’s a celebrity in town making an appearance.
It’s likely because one, or maybe two, of the dedicated team of therapy dogs who visit Roswell Park weekly are starting their very important rounds.
Since 2006, therapy dogs have been an important part of the patient experience, providing gentle support and a reason to smile, a break from a stressful time for patients, caregivers and hospital employees alike.
“It’s a healthy distraction. Studies say petting or interacting with a furry animal can lower one’s blood pressure and reduce anxieties,” says Chris Wesley, Director of Volunteer Services and Community Relations at Roswell Park, whose office oversees the therapy dog program. “A noticeable change in the person’s demeanor is evident that the visit is having an impact.”
The natural outpouring of affection and attention toward the seven therapy dogs who visit Roswell Park is returned by the dogs toward those who need their gentle medicine.
Monty led the way
“Once you love animals, once you have a relationship with animals, you get how much they can make you feel good. It’s always a feel-good situation,” says Nicole Gerber, an Occupational and Environmental Safety Program Manager at Roswell Park and the pet parent behind the hospital’s therapy dog program.
Her late dog, Monty, was the first four-legged friend to earn the distinction and was the inspiration for therapy dogs here. At the…
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