U-M Sparrow celebrates its therapy dogs

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – University of Michigan Health-Sparrow celebrated its furriest staff members on Tuesday. The hospital currently has 13 volunteer therapy dogs — and they’re making a big impact on patients and their families.

“The community loves the dogs,” said Margaret Diamond, Regional President of U of M Health. “The patients and the families love the dogs. Even patients who are going to surgery, the dogs [surround] the families… there’s just not a downside to having therapy dogs in the hospital.”

Not only that—they provide comfort for the staff too.

“If our caregivers have had a rough time with the death of a patient, they are deployed there to just give kindness and just warmth and tenderness to the caregivers,” continued Diamond.

On top of putting smiles on faces and lifting people’s spirits, having the dogs around can have a positive effect on a patient’s health.

“Scientifically, they say it brings down people’s blood pressure and pulses and relaxes them,” said Gwen Coon.

Gwen Coon is the handler of Prix—one of the therapy dogs—and an ex-hospice nurse. She says these dogs are special.

“These dogs are born, they’re not made,” continued Coon. “They have to have a certain personality.”

Coon told 6 News helping people lifts Prix’s spirits too.

“She knows exactly when we come in, the tail’s wagging like ‘oh I’m gonna see people,’” said Coon.

Sparrow showed their appreciation for their furry friends by giving them pup cups, new leashes, and a plaque acknowledging their impact.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.