A Spanish hospital, in an unprecedented move, has enlisted therapy dogs to bolster the morale of ICU patients. A heartwarming initiative indeed!
34-year-old Joel Bueno couldn’t hold back tears of happiness when his four-legged visitors, therapy dogs Vida and Lu, entered the intensive care unit (ICU) where he was being treated for a blood clot. The love and affection showered upon him by these therapy dogs reminded him of his own pet waiting for him at home.
“It’s great to have someone that loves you more than anything else in the world,” Joel beamed, touching everyone’s hearts.
This innovative project, spearheaded by Barcelona’s Hospital del Mar and the Affinity Foundation, aims to enhance the emotional health of ICU patients. The therapy dogs visit each patient twice a week for sessions lasting 15 to 20 minutes.
Lucia Picazo, an ICU doctor associated with the program, believes the initiative could be beneficial for patients. The project’s impact will be assessed by analyzing saliva samples taken before and after therapy sessions, checking for changes in stress and well-being indicators like cortisol, oxytocin, and serotonin levels.
The therapy dog program has not just uplifted the patients’ morale but also brought joy to the hospital’s emergency ward staff. Many have formed a special bond with the canines, creating a therapeutic environment that benefits everyone involved.
Maribel Vida, who leads Affinity’s animal therapy projects, mentioned the positive impact of having the canines around. Joel Bueno, a beneficiary of the program, is all praises for the therapy and believes just knowing that some dogs might visit was a huge morale boost.