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DOCTOR’S ORDERS:
A DOSE OF PUPPY LOVE

Central Coast Dignity Health hospitals provide a new dimension
of care through the Healing Paws pet therapy program

While expertly trained health
care professionals treat
the medical conditions of
patients, a new breed of furry,
four-legged volunteers are
now offering a unique dimen-
sion of care unlike any other
therapy Dignity Health of the
Central Coast offers.

The Healing Paws pet ther-

apy program was initiated

in the fall of 2013 at Marian

Regional Medical Center,

Arroyo Grande Community Healing Paws program volunteer Josanne Jackson and her two-year-old miniature Australian shepherd Morgegann visit with a
Hospital and French Hospital patient at Marian Regional Medical Center.
Medical Center. Since the

program’s inception, hospital leaders are continuing to witness shepherd. “Recently, we visited a Critical Care Unit pa-

what research based evidence has long shown: interaction tient awaiting a transplant. It warmed my heart to see how

with dogs offers a therapeutic, healing value that traditional Morgegann’s unconditional affection gave this patient some

medicine cannot provide. relief to her anxiety prior to surgery.”

“The hope is that the dogs’ presence creates a comforting At present, seven dogs and nine handlers participate in the
and tranquil atmosphere that aids in healing and positively Healing Paws program at Marian. The program’s canines are
enhances patients’ overall hospital experience,” explains registered pet therapy dogs and the volunteer handlers have com-
Judy Hoffman, Healing Paws Program Committee Chair and pleted in-depth hospital protocol training to ensure patient safety.
Respiratory Therapy Director at Marian. “Specifically, animal- In addition, participating dogs are required to have up-to-date
assisted therapy can have a positive effect on reducing patients’ vaccinations and are bathed 24 hours prior to visiting patients.
stress, pain, anxiety and feelings of loneliness, which, in turn,
can help further the healing process.” “It is so rewarding to witness the comfort and delight our
Healing Paws visits bring to our patients,” adds Judy. “We are
Currently, the program’s caring canines and their volunteer also receiving a positive response from the medical center’s
handlers can be found at Marian four days a week, traveling staff as well. When our four-legged volunteers walk into a
from room-to-room visiting and delivering unconditional love room, our staff members light up just as our patients do!”
to patients at their bedside.
If you have a registered pet therapy dog and would like to join
“Patients really respond when they see Morgegann walk into Dignity Health of the Central Coast’s Healing Paws team as a
the room,” shares Josanne Jackson, Healing Paws volunteer volunteer handler, please contact Volunteer Services at
handler and owner of Morgegann, a miniature Australian (805) 739-3520.

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