Young patients find hope in therapy dog's devotion

When Larry Bennett isn't busy chairing UC's Fire Science and Emergency Management program, he has discovered another kind of "rescue" work that helps fire victims in a very personal way.

Twice a month, Bennett takes his Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Bruce, to Shriners Burn Hospital for Children in Clifton, where patients and staff alike find joy in the gentle and loving companionship of a pet.

"Some children are in wheelchairs, some are confined to beds that are rolled out of their rooms and some are walking," Bennett says. "They get to pet and hug the dogs. The children often share stories about their own pets."

As a volunteer for Therapy Pets of Greater Cincinnati, Bennett takes his work with young patients to heart. He has even developed stickers with Bruce's smiling face that he leaves behind for patients and nurses who gladly keep a piece of their special visit close to their hearts.

Founded in 2004, Therapy Pets of Greater Cincinnati trains volunteers and screens pets to visit acute, rehabilitation and palliative healthcare facilities, group homes and schools throughout the region. More than 200 volunteers regularly take their dogs, cats and birds to share unconditional love with those who need it most.

Therapy pets visit people and patients of all ages as part of informal Animal-Assisted Activities or work toward specific goals with Animal-Assisted Therapy. Some dogs are specially trained to be part of the Reading Education and Assistance with Dogs (READ) program in schools and libraries.

At Shriners and nursing facilities, in hospitals and schools, a friendly pet walking the halls can lighten even the darkest moments. But therapy with pets is about more than feeling good in the moment. Scientific research
includes both anecdotal evidence and full-scale studies that show pet therapy works. For example, it can lengthen children's attention spans, increase their physical activities and even improve their communication skills.

For Bennett and other therapy pet owners, though, the therapeutic benefits flow both ways.

Do Good:

• Be part of the team. Find out how you and your pet can become approved pet therapy teams.

• Get inspired. Brighten your day by reading testimonials from pet therapy teams.

• Check with the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County to find out about the next Pages and Paws program.

By Elissa Yancey
Photography by Scott Beseler