|
|
 |
News
Click here to watch WCBS-TV |
< Back to Main News Page
Location And Directions... |
The Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center is located at our Williamson
St. Campus.
|
COURAGEOUS CANINE LIFTS SPIRITS OF CANCER PATIENTS
Despite Cancer Diagnosis, Therapy Dog Visits Dozens Of Cancer Patients Each
Week
Inker, the first therapy dog in Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center's (TCCC)
Animal Assisted Activities Program, now has something in common with the
Center's patients.
The nine year-old Golden Retriever is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.
After noticing lumps on the dog's neck last month, Inker's owner, Pat Dobson,
brought him to the Veterinarian who recommended immediate chemotherapy treatment
for Canine Lymphoma. A common and treatable cancer which occurs in the lymph
nodes or other organs, approximately 50 percent of dogs with this condition
achieve remission through chemotherapy. Ms. Dobson, a retired school teacher
living in Watchung, takes Inker to weekly treatments at the Animal Medical
Center in New York City, affiliated with Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
"Inker's cancer was caught in the early stages and I decided that he would have
aggressive treatment," Ms. Dobson said. "Since beginning treatment last month,
he is responding to chemotherapy and the lumps are getting smaller. According to
his oncologist, his chances for remission are good. Inker is a therapeutic
presence for patients. Many patients have told me that their bond with Inker is
even stronger knowing that they are both there for each other. I tell patients
'he's doing it, you're doing it, we'll all make it together.'"
The benefits of pet therapy are increasingly documented in clinical research. In
studies at Cambridge and UCLA, researchers concluded that there is a direct
correlation between pet interaction and improved overall health. Research
demonstrates that patient interaction with animals can reduce stress-induced
symptoms and depression, provide distraction from pain and illness, lower blood
pressure, and elevate mood.
The Animal Assisted Activities Program was initiated in September, 2005, by
Carol Pepe, Director of Social Work and Lisa Liss, Director of Volunteers, at
Trinitas Regional Medical Center. At the program's inception, Inker was the only dog providing
emotional support to Trinitas Regional Medical Center's patients.
In October 2006, the program began at Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center and
Inker provided the first patient visit. Since that time, Inker has visited two
days a week for one hour a day. Although he is continuing on this schedule, Ms.
Dobson will shorten his visits when he is tired. In total, Inker has visited
nearly 900 patients.
In addition to Inker, the program currently has two other therapy dogs. A total
of six dogs have enhanced the well-being of patients since the program began.
Therapy dogs in the Animal Assisted Activities Program at Trinitas Regional Medical Center are
tested and certified. Staff members of the "Paws for People" program at St.
Hubert Animal Welfare Center in Madison ensure their ease in clinical settings.
In addition, the dog's owner meticulously cleans and bathes each dog the night
before a hospital visit.
"Patients look forward to visits by Inker and doctors often include animal
visits in their orders," said Donna Filocamo, LCSW, Manager of Psychological
Services at TCCC. "Patients feel more comfortable when they pet the dog, give
him treats, and look into his eyes. Inker often offers his paw and gently licks
the patient's hand or cheek. When Inker visits, he not only wears a Trinitas Regional Medical Center photo ID badge, but a 'Cancer Survivor' T-shirt which gives our
patients even more hope," she added.
The Animal Assisted Activities Program at Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center
enhances the Center's growing complementary therapy and support services
programs. Patients already have access to programs delivered by dedicated
healthcare professionals including social workers, nutritionists, and pain
management specialists.
"At Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center, we not only provide patients with
state-of-the-art medical treatments and outstanding specialists, but with
innovative complementary therapies that give patients and their physicians
additional therapeutic options," said Gary S. Horan, FACHE, President and CEO of
Trinitas Regional Medical Center.
For more information on the Animal Assisted Activities Program at Trinitas Regional Medical Center, please call Carol Pepe at 908-994-5335.
