Therapy dogs spread holiday cheer to hospital patients

By Eric Seiverling
eseiverling@yourmvi.com
Four-year-old Chloe Durbiano walked the halls of Jefferson Hospital Friday morning and was greeted with smiles by everyone who saw her.
They bent down to pat her head and commented on her beautiful hair.
Chloe returned the favor with a wag of her tail and even a quick kiss to a person’s nose before laying on the floor next to the feet of her owner, Dennis Durbiano.
As a member of New Jersey-based Therapy Dogs International, Chloe, a pure-white 125-pound great Pyrenees, visited Jefferson Hospital Friday to greet patients and spread holiday cheer.
Having therapy dogs visit the hospital is a regular occurrence and the hospital’s staff say it provides patients with treatment that can’t be found in operating rooms and doctors’ offices.
“There are real studies that show it helps with managing care,” said Dr. Kristi Rain-Jaras, physician advisor at the hospital. “It lowers blood pressure and makes patients more relaxed. It makes the experience more human. Everyone has had a dog at some point in their life, and this helps bring it all back. It brings everyone together. Chloe helps bring out the best in people.”

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