Butterfly Paws: Facility and Therapy Dogs for Kids - PediaCast 565
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Deep Dive
What is the Butterfly Paws program at Nationwide Children's Hospital?
The Butterfly Paws program provides compassionate care using trained facility and therapy dogs to offer comfort, joy, and therapeutic interventions to patients, families, and staff. The program aims to support emotional well-being, foster a positive healthcare environment, and engage the community.
How do facility dogs differ from therapy dogs in the Butterfly Paws program?
Facility dogs are highly trained service animals that work directly with patients, performing specific tasks and supporting therapeutic goals. They are trained from birth to two years old and come with about 50 commands. Therapy dogs, on the other hand, are pets owned by staff or volunteers, trained to provide comfort and stress relief to patients, families, and staff, but they are not as task-focused as facility dogs.
What are the benefits of having therapy and facility dogs in a hospital setting?
Therapy and facility dogs reduce stress markers and cortisol levels, improve emotional well-being, and create a sense of community among patients, families, and staff. They also help patients with physical therapy goals, such as improving balance, communication, and motor skills, and provide comfort during difficult times.
How are the dogs in the Butterfly Paws program trained?
Facility dogs are trained by organizations like Canine Companions, undergoing extensive training from birth to two years old. They are trained to perform specific tasks and are motivated by the work itself rather than food. Therapy dogs are trained by their owners and must pass certification tests to ensure they can handle the hospital environment.
What role does the community play in supporting the Butterfly Paws program?
The community supports the program through donations and volunteering. Since the program is not reimbursable by insurance, philanthropy is crucial for funding. Volunteers with certified therapy dogs can also contribute by providing comfort and support to patients and staff.
How do the dogs in the Butterfly Paws program ensure safety for patients and themselves?
Handlers assess patients beforehand to ensure the dog is appropriate for the interaction. Dogs are not brought into rooms with patients on precautions like droplet or contact precautions. Handlers monitor interactions closely and remove the dog if a patient becomes agitated or unsafe.
What is a typical day like for a facility dog in the hospital?
Facility dogs work four hours a day, engaging in patient therapy sessions. Their tasks vary depending on the patient's needs, such as helping with physical therapy goals, providing comfort, or assisting with cognitive tasks. They also get breaks to rest and recharge.
Can other animals, like cats or horses, be part of the Butterfly Paws program?
No, the program currently only uses dogs. While there is interest in other animals, the program adheres to strict regulatory standards and focuses on canines due to their training and suitability for hospital environments.
- Butterfly Paws program utilizes trained facility and therapy dogs.
- Primary goal is to provide comfort, joy, and therapeutic interventions.
- Aims to improve health and recovery, emotional well-being, and foster a positive healthcare environment.
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