Pet Therapy for Pediatric Patients
Building Trust
Aidan, a 4-year old patient of Dr. Mark M. Souweidane's, was skeptical at first about petting Max, a highly experienced pet therapy golden retriever. No problem: Max has seen it all, from the most welcoming of patients to the most reluctant, and all ages too. He, and his niece Gracie, another beautiful golden retriever, have been put through the training ropes to make sure they can easily tolerate groups of 10, canes falling down around them, loud noises, and other hazards in this line of work.
Good news for all—the dogs have arrived!
Dr. Souweidane worked proactively with Jay Stevelman to ensure that pet therapy be integrated into the Department of Neurological Surgery. He specifically requested golden retrievers and Jay came to the rescue. The possibility of undergoing a neurosurgical procedure can be challenging for adults, let alone for a child. Sometimes a dog can help. Jay takes Max and Gracie to visit during exam time and also to the Pediatric ICU. Max and Gracie went to the security office to have their photos taken. They wear ID badges like any other employee. Patients may request a visit through DOGS ON CALL at New York-Presbyterian Hospital.
"Max-- that 40 pound gorilla-- refuses to wear a vest," explains Jay, "but Gracie has no problem with it." By the time pediatric patients go in for their exams they often are so involved in playing with the dogs, they forget it's time to see the doctor. Aidan's family reported they "never knew a visit to the doctor could turn out to be so much fun."
George is another regular visitor—a.k.a. "Gentleman George." He is "so well behaved and performs tricks on cue" say staff and physician extenders. Mary Belkin, George's owner, says "He seems to know he is going to work in the morning." George is the recipient of the Planetree Award, given by NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital to "those who make a difference in the patient experience." George helped one reluctant pediatric patient to have their blood pressure taken. George willingly went first. The patient then said, "Okay, it's my turn now." Another pediatric patient who had trouble walking on their own was able to walk for 20 minutes holding George's leash, talking to George the whole time. His mother asked Mary if she could take George home.
These warm, friendly and very patient dogs—not to mention their dedicated owners—have truly made a difference in making a child's visit to the neurosurgeon as smooth as possible.
Contact Us
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Phone
(866) 426-7787
(212) 746-4684
Office Hours
Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Emergency Department,
NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell
(212) 746-5026
