This past month, we’ve spent quite a bit of time at a nursing home in South Texas, visiting John’s elderly relatives. On our latest visit, the nursing home was being visiting by a therapy dog, a sweet Shih Tzu who brought smiles to residents, including those in the Alzheimer unit.
While we hear of an increasing number of therapy dogs in nursing homes and hospitals, it’s rare to learn of a care center that allows patients to visit with their OWN dogs. Recently the St. Louis Children’s Hospital opened the new Purina Family Pet Center, only the world’s fourth such facility at a pediatric hospital.
“At Purina we believe that pets and people are better together, and our friends at St. Louis Children’s Hospital clearly share our belief,” said Nina Leigh Krueger, Purina president. “Our goal for the Purina Family Pet Center is to bring joy and comfort to children and their families by helping them reunite with their pets during their stay.”
Purina veterinarian Dr. Zara Boland and her dog Rhumba visiting Annie, a St. Louis Children’s Hospital patient, in the newly opened Purina Family Pet Center. Photo by Mary Butkus
Purina veterinarian Dr. Zara Boland and her dog Rhumba visiting Annie, a St. Louis Children’s Hospital patient, in the newly opened Purina Family Pet Center. Photo by Mary Butkus
The center was built with a $450,000 gift from Purina to support the construction and staffing of the center. The facility spans 300 square feet, offering a place where children can meet with their own pet without leaving the care or the technology of the hospital and its caregivers. The center features washable surfaces and windows to provide natural light. Children in wheelchairs or bedridden are able to visit with pets here as well. During these visits, children are able to forget their cares and play with their furry family member in this private visiting space, enjoying treats and toys with their dog.
The impact is already being felt. The hospital is seeing the benefits–psychological and physical–that pets can bring their people. “We are so grateful to have received this gift,” says Flip Becker, senior director with the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation. “I know what a difference this will make in the lives of our patients – a difference only made possible through the generous support of Purina.”
This post is sponsored by Purina. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the new hospital facility but, as always, DogTipper only shares news that we feel will be of interest to you.
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