ONTARIO, CANADA – Juravinski hospital in Ontario, Canada now allows pets to visit their ill humans. The hospital adopted a program which is called Zachary’s Paws For Healing, which was launched by Donna Jenkins. She was inspired to start it by her 25-year-old nephew, Zachary, who seemed to benefit greatly from having his dogs around him while he was battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
“We know that when patients get to see their pet, it can improve vital signs, improve depression and the feeling of isolation, it opens communication back up and it is a reminder for a reason for the patient to get well and return home,” Donna said.
The visits are weekly and they last for 1 hour. The pets are thoroughly cleaned before entering the hospital and they must kept away from other patients.
Wouldn’t it be great if all hospitals and rehabs adopted this program?
Juravinski hospital in Ontario, Canada allows pets to visit their seriously ill humans
The hospital adopted a program called Zachary’s Paws for Healing, launched by Donna Jenkins
When patients get to see their pet, it can improve vital signs, improve depression and the feeling of isolation.
“It opens communication back up and it is a reminder for a reason for the patient to get well and return home”
“Having a pet visit its human brings some normalcy back to the patient’s life”
“It takes their mind off the hospital and being sick for a bit”
“The pet can visit for an hour and can come once a week”
“Of course, no one is keeping strict time. A good visit is what counts”
“The pets are relieved to see them and to know they have not lost their human companion”
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