Pet therapy program brings joy to Saint Anne’s Hospital

Apr 11, 2022

Fall River, MA - People love their pets and the joy and comfort they bring.

At Saint Anne’s Hospital, patients and staff also are benefiting from the presence of furry friends. The hospital launched an innovative staff wellness program in November 2021 that includes a therapy dog to lift staff members’ morale.

Through the program, which is a partnership between Saint Anne’s and Dog B.O.N.E.S Therapy of Massachusetts, a therapy dog named Whiskey Doodle and her handler visit the hospital twice per month. On each visit, they visit a variety of units and departments, helping staff to de-stress.

But the positives don’t stop there. The program is a win-win for staff and patients.

“It’s important to be in a good place when you’re busy at work caring for other people,” said Jean Meyers, director of Pulmonary, Sleep and Wound Care Services and a founding member of the hospital’s Employee Wellness Committee. “These therapy dog visits help our staff do that — providing a better workplace and a better patient experience.”

According to Jean, the impact is immediate.

“You have to see it to believe it,” Jean said. “People just love the visits. They come alive — everybody immediately lights up when the dog comes to their unit.”

In addition to pet therapy, Saint Anne’s Employee Wellness Program includes a variety of activities throughout the month, such as mindful meditation, Watercolor Paint Nights, and a twice-weekly walking group. All are designed to foster employees’ healthy body, mind and spirit. The program is coordinated through a volunteer committee of employees representing a cross-section of clinical and non-clinical services.