After more than two years, therapy dogs returned to the Munroe-Meyer Institute in April.
Three members of Love on a Leash – Jane Campbell, Kathy and Roy Torres – stopped in on April 14 to check out the new institute and meet staff members and clients. The local chapter of Love on a Leash has more than 100 dog-handler teams and serves schools, hospitals, libraries, senior centers and other organizations.
MMI has been working with Love on a Leash since 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic suspended visits. Last month, Sky, Josie and Lacie – a former racing greyhound and two rescued poodles – drew delighted smiled and hugs as they arrived at MMI, with client, parents and even staff stopping them at the MMI main entrance to pet the dogs before the visit even officially began.
Kathy Torres said the volunteers and their dogs were excited to be back at MMI.
"The dogs have missed it so much, and we’ve missed it," she said. "And I think the children need this more than ever now … I’m so glad we’re back."
Jacqueline Hankins-Berry of MMI’s community engagement team said the institute will be scheduling regular visits by Love on a Leash in the coming months.
"We are excited to be able to safely offer these visits again," she said. "Our clients, their families, and our staff were eager to meet the dogs."
Research has shown that therapy animals provide both mental and physical health benefits, including decreasing feelings of isolation and loneliness, diminishing physical pain and increasing mental stimulation. Some studies note specific benefits for children on the autism spectrum, including greater use of language and social interaction, following animal-assisted therapy.
Sadly, Captain Fred, the first therapy dog to visit MMI, died during the past two years. His image is featured in a montage created by artist Lisa Worrall that is displayed in the recreational therapy department.
"Although the value of animal-assisted therapy is globally accepted, medical facilities that use pet therapy have stringent rules to ensure that the animals are clean, vaccinated, well-trained and screened for appropriate behavior. We had worked for some time to obtain approval for therapy dog visits at MMI, and Captain Fred was an adorable ambassador for Love on a Leash," said Melonie Welsh, director of community engagement. "We’re happy to have his teammates making regular visits, as their sweet demeanors and unconditional love offer a bright spot in everyone’s day."