Charleston’s Therapy Dogs Spread Joy and Healing
On a sunny Friday, October 4, 2024, Charleston welcomed a wonderful event at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)—the annual Blessing of the Therapy Dogs. With temperatures hovering around a pleasant 73°F and light winds blowing from the northwest, the day set the perfect stage for a celebration dedicated to these furry healers. Patients, staff, and visitors gathered to recognize the invaluable role therapy dogs play in the healthcare environment.
As folks arrived, their spirits lifted with each wagging tail. Hannah Shields, a nurse at MUSC, could not resist the charm of a lovable therapy dog named Socks, a lab mix, who happily accepted her pets. Meanwhile, seven-year-old Scout, a golden retriever, savored some special attention while receiving a blessing from Wendy Kalskett, a staff chaplain. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy, as countless others joined in to shower the therapy animals with affection.
Making a Difference
The event highlighted the profound benefits these therapy animals bring to both patients and staff. Over the past 20 years, MUSC has built one of the largest therapy animal programs in the nation. With an impressive roster of 89 therapy teams currently in action and six more in training, it’s clear that these four-legged companions are here to make a difference. Across multiple campuses, including those in Florence, Lancaster, Columbia, and Orangeburg, the total number of therapy dogs in the MUSC system stands at a remarkable 101.
Coordinator Cathy Bennett shared her excitement about reaching this milestone, stating, “We have finally achieved our long-term goal of having over 100 therapy animals.” These dedicated dogs make appearances in various clinical settings, from the Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital to emergency rooms and mental health clinics. They serve as critical companions, not just for the patients but for the staff as well. “I rearranged my schedule today so I could see these dogs,” said staff nurse Megan Gillen, who couldn’t resist spending time with Tank, another golden retriever well-known among MUSC staff.
Furry Healers at Work
Once the ceremonial blessings concluded, the staff’s enthusiasm for the therapy dogs was palpable. “There’s a buzz when the dogs are on their way,” Shields said, echoing the sentiments of many who anticipated their arrival. However, it isn’t just the staff who benefit; patients experiencing long stays in the hospital often express a deep yearning for their pets back home. “I’ve cared for patients who often say, ‘I wish I could see my dog or cat,’” Shields noted.
Research backs up the benefits of therapy dogs—studies going back to the 1970s suggest that having animals present can reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol and even lower blood pressure. Patients combated by feelings of depression and anxiety reported improved moods when therapy dogs were around. “They really are like furry healers,” Gillen observed, summing up the dogs’ effect in a few charming words.
Unique Connections
For therapist Shannon Fitzgerald, therapy dogs play a unique role in her practice. She has noted how these animals often help patients disclose feelings they might otherwise keep hidden. During group therapy sessions, participants may bond with therapy dogs in ways that lead to deeper, more meaningful conversations. One patient even found the comfort to share past trauma simply because a therapy dog showed up to lend an ear—or a paw.
Marcel, a fluffy Bernese mountain dog, has become a favorite among both staff and patients. Owner Liz Guthridge explained that whenever a visit is on the horizon, Marcel gets incredibly excited. His impact has resonated with many patients, some of whom even recognize him while out in the community. “It’s incredible to see how much a therapy dog can change someone’s hospital experience,” Guthridge expressed.
A Mission to Heal
Former Vietnam veteran Charlie Keiter shared a heartwarming story of how a therapy dog made all the difference during his hospital stay years ago. Inspired by the joy those dogs brought him, he has since dedicated himself to bringing therapy dogs into healthcare settings, ensuring that more people can benefit from this simple yet profound companionship.
The day wrapped up with the unfolding smiles and tail wags, leaving everyone, whether they were on two legs or four, feeling uplifted and connected. As Cathy Bennett humorously put it, “We change what’s possible in health care one tail wag at a time.” As each therapy dog moved through the crowd, the spirit of healing was palpable. And once again, Charleston celebrated not just the therapy dogs but the love and joy they bring to the lives of so many.
