Therapy Dog Soothes Medical Staff On Frontline Of COVID Pandemic

Apr 01, 2020 by apost team

Doctors and nurses at the front-lines in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic are risking their lives as they work tirelessly to slow the spread of the virus and treat their patients. 

A responsibility like that can definitely prove to be stressful, so the staff at Rose Medical Center in Denver have found a unique way to offer relief to the medical Personnel. The hospital has a therapy dog in training named Wynn.  

Dr. Susan Ryan, an emergency room physician at the Rose Medical Center has had Wynn – now one – since she was just 8 weeks old. 

According to CNN, Ryan has been training Wynn to be a support Dog. Her training is proving to be crucial at this time, as Wynn is now providing much-needed emotional support to medical professionals at the hospital.

"Seeing stuff and hearing stuff that you can't unsee has an impact on you," Ryan told the publication. 

"That's where the dogs come in. When you are in the presence of the dog and petting them you are taking a moment to ground yourself at that present time."

apost.com

The yellow labrador is currently being trained for Canine Companions for Independence, which is a non-profit that offers fully trained support dogs for patients who need them, free of charge. Ryan also often takes Wynn to the hospital for visits, something the medical staff describes as the “brightest part of [their] day.”

In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, Wynn now has her very own station in the social worker's office to provide comfort and support to the staff when they’re having a rough day.

Ryan highlighted what civilians can do to help take some of the pressure off of medical staff at this time. She urged people to take social distancing seriously, to practice good hygiene and stay healthy.

"This will decrease the surge that will hit us," she said. " We took an oath. We will stand up and show up."

Ryan also said that she was moved by the overwhelming support brought on by the #Solidarityat8 campaign. The social media movement calls for people to come out of their balconies at 8 pm to clap for nurses and doctors who are at the front lines during the COVID-19 crisis.

Do your pets soothe you during stressful times? Let us know in the comments – and make sure you pass this along to your friends and family!