When one thinks of healthcare professionals, the first things that come to mind are doctors, nurses, and other medical staff. However, there is another group of workers that are often overlooked- therapy dogs.

These dogs have been specially trained to provide emotional support, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. One such dog is Harley, a Golden Retriever who has become famous for his work in the healthcare industry.

Harley’s story

Harley was born in 2016 and was trained as a therapy dog by the Juergens family. They own a dog training facility in Milton, Wisconsin, and have been training dogs for over 30 years.

Harley was trained to provide emotional support, comfort, and love to people who are sick or in need of some extra attention.

Harley’s work in healthcare facilities

Harley’s first job was at the Rock County Sheriff’s Department, where he worked with the victim witness unit. He would provide comfort and support to victims of violent crimes or other traumatic events.

After that, he started working in healthcare facilities. Harley currently works at the SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. He visits the hospital three times a month and spends his time with patients, visitors, and staff.

Harley’s impact

Harley has become a beloved member of the hospital community. He has made a positive impact on countless people who have been lucky enough to meet him. He has been known to provide comfort to patients who are in pain or feeling lonely.

He has also helped ease the stress and anxiety of healthcare workers who are constantly under pressure.

The benefits of therapy dogs in healthcare

Studies have shown that therapy dogs can have a positive impact on the health and well-being of patients. Petting a dog can lower blood pressure, reduce stress and anxiety, and even provide pain relief.

Patients who spend time with therapy dogs have been shown to have a shorter hospital stay and an overall better experience. Therapy dogs not only benefit patients but also the healthcare workers who care for them. These dogs can help reduce stress and burnout in healthcare workers, leading to better patient care.

Other therapy dogs in healthcare

Harley is just one of many therapy dogs working in healthcare facilities around the world. These dogs come in all shapes and sizes and are trained to work with different populations.

Some therapy dogs work with children in hospitals, while others work with veterans or people with disabilities. These dogs are able to provide a form of non-verbal communication that can be especially helpful for people who may have trouble expressing themselves.

How to become a therapy dog

Becoming a therapy dog takes time, patience, and dedication. Dogs who want to become therapy dogs must first go through basic obedience training and then undergo specialized therapy dog training.

They must be able to remain calm and obedient in a variety of situations and be comfortable around people of all ages. Owners who want to train their dogs to become therapy dogs can find organizations in their local area that specialize in this type of training.

The future of therapy dogs in healthcare

As healthcare becomes more complex and technology-driven, the need for emotional support is becoming increasingly important.

Therapy dogs provide a unique form of emotional support that cannot be replicated by machines or other forms of medical technology. As a result, therapy dogs are becoming more and more popular in healthcare facilities. In the future, we may see even more therapy dogs working in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings.

Conclusion

Harley and his fellow therapy dogs provide a valuable service to healthcare professionals and patients alike. These dogs have a unique ability to connect with people on a deep emotional level, providing comfort and support when it is needed most.

As healthcare becomes more focused on treating the whole person, including their emotional well-being, therapy dogs will continue to play an important role in the future of healthcare.