Pets Bring Comfort To New Milford Hospital Patients

By Kendra Bobowick

Pushing herself forward to sit up in her reclined chair, Eva Grey reached for the little brown dachshund, Ticho, who soon settled in her lap. Despite the intravenous tubes and fatigue, Ms Grey managed to smile and brighten while she cradled the little dog for a few minutes. Ms Grey and other patients at New Milford Hospital now have a new means of finding relief from their illnesses as they indulge in the soft fur and adoring eyes of pets that visit with them regularly. February 1 was the kick-off of the new Certified Pet Visitation Program aimed to provide companionship, comfort, and compassion to patients.

Some of her visitors asked if she liked when the dog visited.

“It works,” Ms Grey said.

Also eager to sit with Ticho was patient Donna Schultz, who pulled the dog close to her and leaned down to put her cheek near Ticho’s wavy fur.

Dr Joe Frolkis said, “There is nothing like an animal to lower anxiety. When people come into the hospital they are in pain, anxious, and uncertain.”

Veterinary Advisor Michael Gorra, DVM, noted that the pet program takes advantage of dogs’ unconditional nature. “Animals are better at reading nonverbal cues and can sense when someone is happy or sad or feeling down. They make no prejudgments and want to be with someone.”

Noting that Ticho specializes in the cancer center like its mascot, owner and Vice President of External Affairs Marydale DeBor sees the difference her dog makes in the patients’ days.

“It is so moving to see,” Ms DeBor said.

Ticho is small, quiet, with large curious eyes that have witnessed a lot of suffering.

“She has spent time with patients who are passing away and it is like she knows,” Ms DeBor said, “She sits with them — sometimes all they have [left] is the sense of touch.”

As the hospital lobby filled for the kick-off, Ticho’s ears quivered as her head turned at the sound of unfamiliar voices. The mini dachshund peeked from behind Ms DeBor’s arms as the pair greeted other Pet Partner teams. Kent resident Elaine Friedman accompanied her golden retriever, Holly, and Joan O’Brian held her spaniel, Taylor, on a leash.

Ms Friedman has some experience with dogs and patients. She and another golden retriever had visited a nursing home, where she first realized the value of a patient’s time spent with a pet.

“It’s a long day when you’re in a nursing home, not a lot of excitement,” she said. “They look forward to you coming back.” She senses the same feelings from the New Milford Hospital patients.

Regarding people’s responses to her dog, Ms Friedman said, “It just does amazing things. People relax, and it breaks the ice. It’s easier to talk to a patient with [Holly] here.”

The pets and their owners will make regular visits to the hospital’s medical, surgical, and cancer centers. The program welcomes pets and owners who have completed training in the Pet Partner program of the Delta Society (deltasociety.org). Hospital Director of Volunteers Angela Yagid said, “We are thrilled to offer this program to our patients. It has been a joint effort with the Delta Society, veterinary advisor Michael Gorra, DVM, and the nursing and infectious disease departments.” The hospital staff is also aware that some patients may not wish for a pet visit. Measures are in place to assure that pet teams only visit interested individuals, she said.