Local patients benefit from Animal Therapy

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by Dara Newson

Story Created: Dec 18, 2012 at 11:58 PM CDT

Story Updated: Dec 19, 2012 at 12:11 AM CDT

We all know how special those furry little four legged animals can be from cats to dogs. They have a way of completely turning your day around.

In medicine, physicians are transforming their care.

When patients want to break away from something that doesn't deal with pain or shots animals are to the rescue.

A week ago Peggy Rhodes endured major hip surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney.

"I couldn't tolerate the spurs and the bone pain anymore so the doctor said well then I think it's time," said Peggy Rhodes, Good Samaritan Hospital Patient.

After many years of training horses Rhodes joints couldn't take anymore. But the road to recovery has been something quiet special.

"I just feel my spirit has been rejuvenated," said Rhodes.

"They [the dogs] impart a sense of security that everything is going to be okay," said Rhodes.

Seven year old miniature poodle Brady, along with his pet handler Marla Bouton have been volunteers for the Assisted Animal Therapy program for the past six years.

"It's a way of giving back to the community it's a way of sharing something that's very important in our lives with people who can't have their pets with them here at the hospital," said Marla Bouton, Animal Therapy Pet Handler.

Medical professionals at Good Samaritan Hospital are becoming more increasingly aware of the therapeutic affects animals can have on patients.

"Working on coordination you can use that with the animal helping them with the petting, the animals you can help them with the scanning of it you can also help them with the mobility," said Bernie Goodner, Good Samaritan Hospital In-patient Rehab.

From inpatient rehab to the transitional care unit doctors and nurses aren't the only ones trotting around hospital corridors providing care

"It was hurting when yall first came in but the minute I saw this one, you have other things to think of and its good it's a positive energy," said Rhodes.

There are about 30 animal therapy teams in the Kearney area that visit hospitals, schools and libraries.

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