Dogs learn to heal

A fluffy white bichon frise-poodle mix hopped into Frank McCraven’s lap as he sat in a wheelchair just outside his room at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center.

Beau gazed up appreciatively at McCraven, who scratched his back. It was obvious the two had immediately connected.

McCraven had a visit from a golden retriever the day before, but this was the first time Beau and his owner, Maureen Walsh, of Glendale, had stopped by for a visit. They spend two Saturdays a month visiting patients as volunteers with the medical center’s Pets With Purpose program.

“It makes it a more natural place to be,” McCraven said. “I just hope this program continues.”

His daughter, Liz McCraven, was equally happy about the program.

“It’s great,” she said. “Especially for people who are here for a long time. He will only be here a short time, but he’s getting the benefit of this nice program.”

Pets have been an inspiration to patients at the medical center, said Cynthia Mascott, clinical supervisor of the therapeutic recreation department.

“Some of the patients who have lost their ability to speak have been known to respond or start talking when a pet comes in the room,” she said.

Aside from the socialization benefit, pet visits ease the tension of being in the hospital, said Dr. Joseph Glaser, a clinical psychologist at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center.

“Studies have found that patients experience a reduction of stress in response to the introduction of animals in hospital settings,” Glaser said. “Among the responses that have been noted include a reduction of elevated blood pressure, reduction of elevated heart rate and restoration of relaxed breathing.”

The program has helped Beau, too, Walsh said.

“He does well in the program,” she said. “He loves to go to the hospital, and the staff loves him.”

While he’s usually a very lively dog, Walsh said Beau’s behavior changes as soon as they walk into the hospital room.

“He is calm and won’t move until I call him and tell him to come over and say hello to a patient,” she said. “For some patients, the pets are their only visitors.”