Pet Therapy motivates children

Many feet have pattered on floors at Children's and for the last couple of years some have belonged to man's best friend. Since 1999 the Pet Therapy program at Children's has hosted a team of dogs that visits Children's patients at their bedsides, playrooms and the Psychiatry unit.

Shawnna Rogers, director of the program and a child life specialist, has worked at Children's for six years. She has been involved with the program her entire tenure.

"This is an amazing resource for the hospital; not only does it engage children in therapy, it's been shown to help those who are not talking or who have motor deficits," Rogers said. "When my patients are upset about medical procedures or something else, I bring up their experiences with the dogs — it's a positive memory for them, one that has taken place within the hospital."

Paws Across Texas reaches out to children

The dogs are supplied by the program "Paws Across Texas." Based in Fort Worth, "Paws" puts all dogs and owners through an intensive screening and training process.

The teams are escorted by child life specialists during their hospital visits and measures are taken to ensure infection control guidelines are met. Patients able to leave their rooms are invited to visit the dogs in the playroom. Those who are unable to leave their rooms may get a bedside visit, depending on their isolation status. Child life specialists designate which children will benefit from a visit.

Dog's visits inspire family

Rogers recalls a 3-year-old and his family whom she believes was especially touched by the program. The child was unresponsive during his time at Children's, but was visited by a dog on Fridays.

"We'd bring a small dog to his room, and though he was unable to pet the dog, his mother would take his hand and help him do so," Rogers said. "She would gently talk with him about how soft the dog was and take pictures of each visit.

"In the end the session was not only good for the child, but also for her."

Resources:

Child Life
PAWS Across Texas

Tags: Children's Medical Center , pet therapy , pet therapy program , dogs , Paws Across Texas , child life , children , hospital