How therapy dogs bring light and comfort to patients in times of need
- kalinmckean
- May 20
- 2 min read
Updated: May 21
It's Tuesday morning, and Jana has a full day of work ahead of her at Ascension All Saints. Though she’s in for a busy day of work, she can hardly contain her excitement as her tail begins to wag back and forth.
As a therapy dog, Jana plays an important role in patient care at Ascension All Saints.
Every Tuesday and Thursday, Jana — alongside her handler, licensed behavioral health counselor, Kristine — visits patients participating in outpatient mental health programs at Ascension All Saints.
Each day looks a little different. Some days, Jana and Kristine visit patients in the intensive outpatient program. Other days, they may visit patients participating in a coping skills group. No matter what Jana’s schedule looks like, her day is almost guaranteed to be filled with pets, tail wagging and lots of smiles.
One group therapy participant, Cindy, appreciates the joy and comfort Jana brings to her group’s therapy sessions:
“Jana is our therapy dog that attends our group sessions and we all love her,” Cindy shared. “She makes her rounds with everybody, listens to all of our problems and tries to help us solve them.”
Jana is one of three therapy dogs making a positive difference in the lives of patients at Ascension All Saints.
Bingo, a loving corgi, was the first therapy dog at Ascension All Saints. Bingo, and licensed behavioral health counselor, Kae, regularly visit youth in the adolescent, outpatient program, and participants in the Women of Worth program.
Women of Worth (WOW) helps women on their path to sobriety. The program is a substance use and co-occurring mental health disorder treatment program, addressing both the mind and body.
Athena, the newest therapy dog at Ascension All Saints, sees patients in the inpatient behavioral health unit with her handler, licensed behavioral health counselor, Monica.
How therapy dogs support patient mental health and wellness
Interacting with therapy dogs has been shown to significantly benefit the mental health and wellness of patients. Not only do therapy dogs provide emotional support and comfort to patients, but they also help reduce anxiety, stress and even depression.
“Therapy dogs help put patients at ease by adding a calming and nonjudgmental presence in the therapy session,” Kristine said. “There once was a patient who was very nervous about attending a group therapy session and came solely because of Jana. Over time, the patient became more comfortable attending the group and was able to engage in conversation.”
For the patient experiencing loneliness and isolation, Athena offers him unconditional companionship.
For the child struggling to express her emotions, Jana’s calm presence helps encourage her to share her feelings.
For the woman struggling with depression, Bingo offers comfort and affection.
Jana, Bingo and Athena prove time and time again that sometimes, on our darkest days, the comfort of four paws and a wagging tail makes all the difference.
