HaysMed Welcomes “Hoss” the Pet Therapy Dog
HAYS, KS – A new volunteer began his duties last week at HaysMed. Hoss, a husky/German shepherd mix, started his new job as a therapy dog.
Hoss made his first appearance on the Acute Care Unit, visiting with approved patients, as well as Associates. Hoss is 10 years old and belongs to Andrea Coover, APRN, who works in the Pulmonology Clinic. Andrea and Hoss are a certified Pet Therapy Team through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.
Pet Therapy provides a positive social interaction between the pet and a patient, family, or staff member. Pet therapy sessions at the hospital are a great way to help patients feel happy. Handlers and their dogs make short visits to the rooms of patients to help relieve stress, depression, and anxiety. Pet therapy is known for lifting spirits and lowering blood pressure when patients interact with the dog. Patients and children who engage in pet therapy find it provides a comforting source for healing.
Hoss and Andrea will visit patients and staff on Wednesday afternoons! The program is currently being piloted on the Acute Care Unit, but plans are to expand our program to other units soon.
The pet therapy program at HaysMed is sponsored by the HaysMed Volunteers. If you are interested in the pet therapy program, please contact Nikki Mihm at Nikki.mihm@haysmed.com or 785-623-5890. Each of our Pet Therapy Teams are certified through a national pet therapy organization.