Come on over, Rover!

For children who like dogs, Janet Weis Children’s Hospital is the right place. Twice a week, some very special dogs visit children and their families. It’s all part of the Tender Paws Pet Therapy Program.

If you’d like to meet these sweet four-footed friends, ask your nurse or doctor. If dogs aren’t your favorite animal, don’t worry. These pooches will visit other patients instead of you, if that’s what you would prefer.

Why is a dog in a hospital?

Pets make everyone smile! Your nurses love seeing them. Your doctor loves seeing them. And you will, too! So, why not have a dog in the hospital, right?

The dogs that visit through our Tender Paws program are very special. They are trained to behave nicely and not to bark. They’ll even pose for pictures with you. So get your camera or camera-phone ready.

These dogs are part of a kind of care called “animal-assisted therapy.” You might even decide that you would like  working with dogs like these might be something you would want to do when you grow up.

How can a pet help you get better?

• Of course, they’re fun and can make you laugh. We want you to be as happy as possible.
• They’re great friends, and friends are important, too.
• They can take your mind of feeling sick or being uncomfortable. They also can help you not feel lonely.
• They’ll love you. You’ll see!
• These special dogs are not only someone to talk to. They are someone to talk and write about to your family and friends.
• They love your attention. You’ll get to brush, hug, and hold the dog. You’ll hear his heartbeat, and feel his ears, feet, paws and nose.
• You’ll be a great companion to the dog. He or she will appreciate that.
• And did we mention that your doctors and nurses love these guys, too? But you can remind them that they’re here mainly to see you!