Animal Therapy Proves Useful for Cancer Patients and Caregivers

Cynthia Ingram, an animal therapy coordinator at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, decided to include animal therapy as part of cancer treatment programs when her sister was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The program currently relies on one therapy dog to help their cancer patients. Though many therapy dogs can be used, they decided to stick with one as many patients are immunosuppressed.

All therapy dogs are required to pass the Canine Good Citizen course to ensure that they are a good fit for therapy.

Animal therapy has been shown to help patients feel less isolated and alone. It can also reduce stress and anxiety as well as distract patients from pain and fatigue.

Ingram said, “It’s really lovely to watch the family witness that because it makes the family feel better, too.”

Ingram also described the effect that Tori, the therapy dog, has on hospital staff as well. Saying, “The people who work here really love Tori. And I think she has provided a real sense of Support for them sometimes, [as] working at [the] hospital can be challenging. Sometimes they have some difficulties in their day, and they’ll come and see Tori. And they’ll just sit down with her, and they might cry with her or just hug her or pet her. Within 5 minutes, Tori comforts them, and they’re able to return to work, and it kind of resolves the issue.”

This animal therapy program has proven to be an amazing option, not just for cancer patients, but also for their families and caregivers. These pups provide a kind of Support that only an animal lover can fully understand.

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