During Pandemic, Therapy Dogs Bring Smiles To Kids In Hospital

The pandemic has prevented hospital patients from having visitors, but for one hospital, that’s where some four-legged friends step in.

Therapy dogs can substitute for human touch, allowing patients to connect in ways they can’t in the pandemic. Hospitals that have discontinued therapy dog visits due to COVID-19, have filled the void by connecting patients with dogs over Zoom.

“A five-minute, 10-minute visit can change that child’s whole day,” said Allison Proctor from the Children’s National Hospital.

“I just get so excited and I forget about everything, everything else just goes out the window,” said Andrea Trumble.

Some parents said when their child sees a therapy dog, it’s the first time they smile in a long time.