A couple of furry visitors at a local hospital are bringing smiles to patients faces. Therapy dogs “Lily” and “Tevo” stopped by Saint Francis Hospital – Memphis Wednesday morning.
Research shows the act of petting a dog can lower blood pressure, release endorphins that have a calming effect, and diminish overall physical pain.
Handlers say the patients always smile when they see Lily or Tevo.
“We have children that are almost comatose and when they see a dog, you can see their hands moving, they want to pet the dog,” says Anne Weiss, Director of West Tennessee Therapy Dogs, “… and it’s a very rewarding job to have with these dogs.”
The therapy dogs often visit other area hospitals, too like Saint Jude and Le Bonheur. They also make stops at nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
