Amazing Dogs and Cats Help Heal Sick Kids (PHOTOS)

As many companion animal guardians already know, dogs and cats seem to have the extra special ability to perk us up when we’re feeling down, either with a soft touch of a paw or with a smoothing purr or happy bark.

The gentle nature of many dogs and cats make them perfect candidates for animal-assisted therapy programs. To become a part of these programs, prospective therapy animals must complete a certification course with their handlers and pass a test prior to interacting with hospital patients, victims of abuse or neglect, and military veterans coping with wartime stresses and conditions like PTSD.

Animal-assisted therapy is believed to improve moods and reduce stress of those coping with difficult conditions or situations. In order to provide additional scientific Support for these benefits, a study is now happening nationwide, with major hospitals in Portland, Ore. taking part.

Portland Business Journal recently visited Randall Children’s Hospital, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital at Oregon Health & Science University and Providence St. Vincent Medical Center to see therapy animals, like 10-year-old tabby cat Huck Finn, Golden Retriever Parker, and Great Pyrenees Rogan, work their magic.

Check out the beautiful smiles these animals brought to the faces of a few sick kids in the photos below!

Cathy Cheney / Portland Business Journal
Cathy Cheney / Portland Business Journal
Cathy Cheney / Portland Business Journal
Cathy Cheney / Portland Business Journal
Cathy Cheney / Portland Business Journal
Cathy Cheney / Portland Business Journal
Cathy Cheney / Portland Business Journal
Cathy Cheney / Portland Business Journal
Cathy Cheney / Portland Business Journal

To view more photos, please visit Portland Business Journal’s online gallery.

Lead image source: Cathy Cheney / Portland Business Journal