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Today's Takeaway with Florine Mark


Mar 21, 2022

With Keith Fishman, Therapy Dog Program Coordinator at Henry Ford West Bloomfield

 

Did you know that sometimes the very best medicine for a hospital patient is a visit from a therapy dog? Whether you’re a patient or a visitor, the sights and sounds of medical emergencies along with overwrought individuals can create a very stressful environment. Sometimes even a routine doctor’s visit can be nerve-wracking, so the thought of checking into a hospital may be an alarming prospect for many. That’s why the Sally and Bob Goldman Therapy Dog Program at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital is such a wonderful benefit for patients and hardworking staff. The calming presence of a trained therapy dog can work wonders in terms of reducing stress by providing a pleasant distraction from overwhelming fear and anxiety. Unlike service dogs that wear vests cautioning strangers not to pet or approach them while working, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital therapy dogs wear vests that say, “PLEASE PET ME”! And the dog’s entire day is focused upon encouraging contact and earning smiles from anxious or stressed-out individuals. If a chance meeting with one of the trained therapy dogs can put a smile on someone’s face, even just for a moment, and distract them from their pain or anxiety, that dog has done its job.

 

My guest today, Keith Fishman, is the Therapy Dog Program Coordinator at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital. He’s here to tell us about these amazing dogs and how they benefit everyone they come in contact with at the hospital.

 

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

  • How did Keith first get involved in training therapy dogs?
  • What was Keith’s previous career?
  • What kind of dogs does Keith have at home?
  • When did Keith realize he had a talent for training dogs?
  • Does the hospital own the dogs or are they owner-handled?
  • How often and how long do the dogs work?
  • What’s the difference between a therapy dog and a service dog?
  • How long has Henry Ford West Bloomfield had the therapy dog program?
  • Some examples of when a therapy dog has helped patients.
  • When dogs weren’t allowed during COVID-19, how was the program able to support the hospital staff?
  • Where are dogs allowed in the hospital now?
  • How long is the training for therapy dogs?
  • How you can donate to the program.

 

Today’s Takeaway: We tend to think of our beloved pet dogs as members of the family, but we might not think about all the different ways therapy dogs can provide help and healing. Having specifically trained therapy dogs present during a stressful situation has proven very effective in a variety of ways. The unconditional love and affection of a dog have been shown to benefit trauma victims who testify in court, help students heal in the aftermath of school shootings, and even calm autistic children. My dog calms me all of the time! So it makes sense to have therapy dogs in hospitals where they can support both patients and staff. Research shows therapy dogs can help lower blood pressure, reduce feelings of loneliness, and minimize stress. The Sally and Bob Goldman Therapy Dog Program relies 100% on public donations to cover the costs of training and operation. If you want to learn how your donation, no matter how big or small, can support the program, visit their website, call the Development Office at (313) 876-1031, or email Developmenthf@hfhs.org. Remember that today is a gift and you make it what it is! I’m Florine Mark and that’s “Today’s Takeaway.”

 

Quotes:

  • “Most dogs really are quite easily trained; it's just a matter of knowing how to work with them.” — Keith
  • “The dog’s life is a great life; they love doing the therapy work which is really important.” — Keith
  • “You see a child who hasn’t smiled all day because they’re sick that suddenly lights up because a dog walks into his room.” — Keith

Brought to You By:

Gardner White Furniture

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Sally and Bob Goldman Therapy Dog Program

Click here to donate to the Sally and Bob Goldman Therapy Dog Program

Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital