Healthcare in Paris is about to get much furrier–and happier! West Tennessee Healthcare (WTH) is thrilled to announce the expansion of its beloved dog therapy program to the Henry County campus. Building on the program’s heartwarming success at the Jackson campus, Paris is eagerly awaiting the arrival of its own four-legged therapists, ready to bring smiles, comfort, and a wagging tail.
The program is set to launch as soon as the dedicated handler and their canine companion complete their certification through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) and Volunteer Services at WTH. Once certified, the dynamic duo will be scheduled for onsite visits, spreading joy across various hospital departments. Dog therapy has been proven successful in all departments. From nursing to radiology, accounting to housekeeping, no corner of the hospital will be left untouched by the magic of our furry friends.
What to Expect
We’re eagerly awaiting our dog therapy superstars to complete the ATD certification before they begin their visits. The certification process assesses the dog’s temperament and ensures they are comfortable in a variety of settings. Once they pass the different tests, they’ll be ready to get started!
We want to make sure the dog is happy and comfortable during the visits, so we let them guide us. Usually, therapy dogs can visit for about an hour before they’re ready to head home and rest. Within that time frame, the dog and handler will visit with as many people as possible to spread joy and smiles all around.
Any patient who is deemed medically fit by their provider can see the dog. Patients can look forward to a uniquely uplifting experience with the new dog therapy program. These friendly visitors offer more than just a wagging tail; they bring with them a sense of calm and joy that can be a comforting distraction from the hospital environment. With each visit, patients have the opportunity to engage with the dogs, either by petting them, watching them perform tricks, or simply lying down by them. Through a gentle nuzzle or a happy wag, these interactions provide emotional support and a welcome change of scenery, giving patients something new and heartwarming to talk about with their loved ones and caregivers.
And patients aren’t the only ones who benefit from dog therapy. During their visits, the dogs will also see the partners in different departments to offer a morale boost and quick break from their daily demands. One of the biggest benefits of a visit from a therapy dog is their ability to provide instant stress relief. Whether through fun tricks, a furry cuddle, or simply a wagging tail, therapy dogs offer a much-needed pause during a hectic day.
Volunteers with Heart
The program thrives on the dedication of its volunteers—both human and canine. Handlers and their pets volunteer their time, sometimes committing to many hours per month to help make someone else’s day. As certified dog therapy volunteers, both handlers and dogs receive their very own WTH ID badge, marking them as official members of the WTH family. To continue to expand this incredible program, we’re always looking for more volunteers. We encourage anyone interested in becoming an official dog/handler team for WTH to apply.
The future is bright for the dog therapy program, with hopes of expanding to every facility within the WTH system. The Henry County location is just the beginning of this exciting journey, and the team looks forward to the many success stories that will emerge from these heartwarming encounters.
So, if you find yourself at WTH-Henry County Hospital, keep an eye out for a wagging tail and a friendly face. Embrace the opportunity to love on a dog, share a moment of joy, and feel the peace that only a furry friend can provide. For additional information or to get on our Dog Therapy waiting list, email alsmiles@hcmc-tn.org or call 731-644-8266.