Dogs help patients recover in Berrien Springs hospital

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Certified therapy dogs are used in physical therapy sessions with long-term care patients at Lakeland Specialty Hospital. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Oct 21, 2009 at 10:23 AM EST

Story Updated: Oct 21, 2009 at 12:04 PM EST

BERRIEN SPRINGS — A local hospital is trying a different form of therapy to help their patients on the road to recovery. The program is called “PetsZercize.”

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Certified therapy dogs are used in physical therapy sessions with long-term care patients at Lakeland Specialty Hospital. The patients light up when they see the dogs.

“I enjoy just looking at them, petting them, combing their hair. They’re great,” said Rick Langston, a patient.

For about an hour they give the animals commands, which work their voice, arm, and upper body. Playing fetch or combing the pet are repetitive movements which can also help the patient recover.

“It’s a huge benefit because patients get bored with what we do. Sometimes the things we ask them to do don’t make sense to them,” said Carrie Kutchie, a physical therapist at the hospital.

“They get really excited to see the dogs again, and it really progresses their therapy program to a different level. And it gives them something to look forward to,” said Helen Fasano of PetsZercize.

The staff says patients who have participated have shown big improvements.

“It's just different and makes you feel good,” said Langston.

Since it is all done with an animal, the staff said the patients enjoy it more and work harder than they do in regular therapy sessions.

The PetsZercize programs last four weeks. Lakeland Speciality Hospital is in its second session.

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