There’s no denying the special bond between people and their pets, who provide happiness, comfort, and companionship. The same is true for pet therapy dogs and hospice patients.
Dogs have a long-standing history of providing faithful companionship. These loyal animals are one of the best sources of comfort for any human – including hospice patients and their families.
Certified hospice therapy dogs can provide a wide range of physical, emotional and social benefits to patients and their families.
The Benefit of Hospice Therapy Dogs
Pet therapy, also called animal-assisted therapy, is proven to help patients physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and relationally, including those on hospice and palliative care. One study concluded that pet therapy helps facilitate communication, results in positive emotional responses, enhances physical relaxation, and motivates physical activation.
The benefits of pet therapy for patients include:
Whether a hospice therapy dog visit aids in reminiscing, eases loneliness, or calms anxiety, the benefits of visits with hospice patients and their families are numerous. Not only can visits influence health, but visits also influence happiness. The opportunity to facilitate these moments for patients at the end of life, and their family members, is priceless.
If you have a loved one on hospice, reach out to Eternal Crossings to schedule a pet therapy visit with Rigby. The benefits are immediate and long-lasting, and the comfort of a visit with Rigby can be measured in smiles.
Veronica enjoying spending time with Rigby, a french bulldog hospice therapy dog.
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