Pictured from l. to r.: Mike Porten, “Brinkley”, Janet Porten, Theresa Pugh, “Buddy”, Sarah Watts, Mike Halk, Rebecca Roof, “Ashlee”, Virginia Calhoun, “Chloee Ann”, John Bell, Executive Director of the CRMC Foundation, Maria Wright, “Buttercup”, Kristina Keisala, Patsy Moore, Linda Kroells, “Skye” Rebecca Decker, Cyndi Maxwell, Volunteer Service Coordinator
CRMC currently has eight pet therapy dogs and is continuing to grow the program
Cookeville – Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) is recognizing their Pet Therapy Dogs in honor of National Dog Day Saturday, Aug. 26.
CRMC currently has eight pet therapy dogs and is continuing to grow the program.
“National Dog Day is a day to recognize and celebrate our four-legged friends. It is also a day to encourage others to save a life by adopting dogs from local shelters,” said Cyndi Maxwell, Volunteer Services and Gift Shop Coordinator at CRMC. “The Pet Therapy program started in 2006 at CRMC and continues to support patients, staff and visitors. We are grateful for this program and the therapy dogs and their handler’s commitment. They light up faces when they are here.”
Studies have shown that through petting, touching and talking with animals, a patient’s blood pressure is lowered, stress is relieved and depression and anxiety are eased. Cookeville Regional Medical Center says the power of the human-animal connection and the joy it creates explains why they are committed to Pet Therapy.
The Pet Therapy program requires therapy dogs and their handlers to complete the certification to do Pet Therapy work. All Pet Therapy handlers also work with a pet Buddy volunteer while visiting patients. The Pet Therapy Program at CRMC continues to grow and recruit handlers with certified dogs as well as pet buddies.
For more information contact Cyndi Maxwell at 931-783-2740 or email cmmaxwell@crmchealth.org.
Photo courtesy of CRMC.
