Endeavor Health’s therapy dogs brighten the day

For many people, an interaction with a friendly animal can really brighten the day.

And when you’re feeling down, a wet nose and soft fur can make a world of difference in your mood.

This is true for hospitalized patients as well. Studies have shown that patient interactions with a therapy dog had a significant positive effect on their mental state.

Endeavor Health has run a popular Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) program with dogs at Endeavor Health Edward Hospital in Naperville and Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital since 2002. The program’s furry volunteers have made more than 270,000 patient visits in that time.

At Endeavor Health Northwest Community Hospital, an AAT program with 54 teams of dogs and handlers have been making the rounds since August 2007.

The dogs are carefully screened to meet certain personality requirements before they’re accepted into the volunteer program. They must be up to date on all their immunizations and have been bathed within 24 hours prior to a visit. Patients must also meet certain health criteria to be eligible for a visit from an animal therapist.

The dogs that participate in the program are a range of breeds and sizes, said Cynthia Brooks who coordinates the program at Edward Hospital and Elmhurst Hospital.

Before they can participate in the Endeavor Health AAT programs, each dog must pass a rigorous testing, evaluation and training program, including temperament testing for a hospital setting. This ensures the dogs are at ease around patients, wheelchairs, walkers and IV poles, for instance.

Volunteer handlers bring their dogs to the hospital every other week, spending time with patients who requested a visit.

Dogs aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, and visits are always optional and approved by the patient. Some patients are afraid of dogs, allergic, or simply don’t want to be bothered, and this is always honored.

“The AAT program at Northwest Community Hospital is always looking for new teams to join us,” said Kathy King, animal assisted therapy coordinator at Northwest Community Hospital. “The dogs must be obedient, and they are tested during the evaluation.  We’re looking for confident and friendly dogs that look to strangers for attention. We also have a 3-day training program in the hospital to help the teams learn protocol and let the dogs get comfortable with the site, sounds, and smells of the hospital.”

To be a successful canine therapist, dogs must have specific temperaments and abilities. Here are six signs a pet would be a good therapy dog:

1. The dog will sit/lie down/stay/recall/leave-it on command.
2. The dog can walk loosely on a leash without pulling. We know it’s hard for dogs to contain themselves when they’re excited, but therapy dogs need to be mellow pups.
3. They get along well with other dogs. It may be unusual to see a dog in the hospital, but at Edward and Elmhurst hospitals they may encounter other therapy dogs or even service animals.
4. Perform required commands without treats. Therapy dogs must be obedient rule followers.
5. The dog likes people. Especially strangers. An obvious characteristic for therapy dogs, since the point is visiting with people, but it’s important to assess.
6. Not be overly vocal. Barking or whining in the hospital would not go over well.

Learn more about the program and how to apply.