The Healing Power of Canine Companionship

It’s an amazing trait that some dogs have the ability to show unconditional love toward a person they just met. Many dogs can sense a human’s emotional struggle and, during even a short interaction, lift that person’s spirit. This is the value volunteer Laura Johnson and her dogs bring to Hunt Regional Medical Center through Coco and Tilly’s service as certified therapy dogs.

A Routine of Compassion

“We have been visiting patients and staff at Hunt Regional Medical Center in Greenville going on three years now.” Laura brings one dog at a time, rotating Coco and Tilly during her two-day-a-week sessions at the facility in Greenville, Texas. Usually, they spend part of their time with acute rehabilitation patients who are receiving therapy services on the seventh floor of the hospital and the other part boosting the morale of the medical staff around the facility. Kristy Smolinski, Director of Hunt Regional Radiology, says, “Laura, Coco, and Tilly are wonderful! I can’t tell you the amount of joy they bring the staff throughout the hospital.”

Emotional Support in Action

Patients and staff respond with great appreciation for the quality time and affection Coco and Tilly provide them on good and bad days. Laura shares, “I’ve had individuals latch onto the dog, sit, and just cry, later expressing how much they needed that interaction. We have had patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) hurting and in so much pain they refuse to move. In these situations, the dog motivates the patient to walk over, sit up, or stand next to them and give a pet or hug. This simple task for anyone going through this neurological, autoimmune disorder can cause great discomfort. Patients with this condition are encouraged to move as much as possible to manage symptoms like stiffness, swelling, fatigue, balance issues, and many others. When someone is going through that much physical pain, seeing how they positively react to Coco or Tilly’s presence is the most touching moment to witness.”

A Grateful Healthcare Community

The Hunt Regional staff is incredibly appreciative of Laura’s dedication to supporting emotional needs at Hunt Regional Medical Center and the countless volunteer hours she and the dogs spend at the facility. They are a vital part of the organization and provide excellent service to our community healthcare system.