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Therapy Dogs Help Patients In Hospital Intensive Care Unit

Carol Pearson

   WASHINGTON - Studies show when people pet an animal, their blood
   pressure goes down along with stress and anxiety. That's why there are
   so many therapy dogs in schools, counseling centers and even in
   hospitals.

   Taz wags his tail when he greets patients at the University of Missouri
   Hospital. Taz and Bruce Miller are part of a therapy dog team.

   "He gets a lot of attention -- haha -- and he loves the attention,"
   Miller said.

   Taz is trained to provide comfort and emotional support to the patients
   he visits. And while no one wants to be in a hospital, Kevin Gwin's job
   is to make sure a stay at the University of Missouri Hospital is a
   positive one.

   "I think sometimes patients feel isolated," Gwin said. "They get out
   here, it's lonely, it's boring. And the dogs are something to look
   forward to, and when they visit, the whole unit comes alive."

   WATCH:Therapy dogshelp patients during their hospital stays

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