LUTHERAN MEDICAL CENTER LAUNCHES ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY PROGRAM
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
PHOTO RELEASE
LUTHERAN MEDICAL CENTER LAUNCHES ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY PROGRAM
Pups for Patients Aid Healing Processes
March 23, 2010, Brooklyn, NY…Partnering with The Good Dog Foundation, Lutheran Medical Center is launching a special pet therapy program that will bring professional therapy dogs to Lutheran patients while they are in the hospital. Pet therapy uses specially trained therapeutic pets to help promote and complement the healing process for patients, families and caregivers, often resulting in diminished physical and emotional pain in patients.
"In recent years, there has been a huge increase in interest and support for this type of program," says Toni Cesta, SVP for Operational Efficiency and Capacity Management, who spearheaded this program at Lutheran. "Pups for Patients can offer reduced anxiety and lower blood pressure and heart rate in our patients."
Some of the Lutheran staff already had the opportunity to meet these furry friends when they made their first visit to the hospital recently to get registered with security and receive their very own ID badges! 
Benefits of animal assisted therapy are widespread and include mental stimulation, elevated mood levels (obtained through a release of dopamine), physical contact and dexterity, socialization and increased awareness and attention span.
Photo captions: (top) Therapy dogs and their owners are welcomed into the Lutheran Medical Center community. (right) Fannie, a registered therapy dog, took her first trip to LMC where she met with staff and security, and received her ID badge.
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