Grady Pet Therapy Program
At Grady, it’s no longer just doctors or nurses taking care of patients. The health system is delivering paws-on care too. With the launch of the Pet Therapy Program, patients, families and staff from all areas within the hospital now receive special visits from certified therapy dogs.
They routinely visit various clinical and non-clinical areas in the main hospital. For many patients and staff, it’s one of the most highly anticipated parts of their day.
Research has shown that specially trained dogs can substantially ease patients’ physical and emotional pain.
Physical
Lowers blood pressure, improves cardiovascular health, reduces overall physical pain, encourages patient to move.
Emotional and Mental
Lessens depression, loneliness and anxiety, increases socialization, provides comfort, improve mood, and creates motivation for patients to recover faster.
At Grady, patients are at the center of everything we do. As the largest safety-net hospital in Georgia, we have the experience and expertise to know that a positive patient experience goes beyond providing excellent clinical care. Our Pet Therapy Program is part of Grady’s culture of delivering high quality care.
Take a moment to meet the incredible dogs that are making a big difference.
Meet the Team
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Breed: Basset Hound
Likes: Belly Rubs
Dislikes: Yelling & angry people
Why I love my job: I love meeting new people and making them happy
Breed: Lab mix
Likes: People, especially children, dock diving & running free
Dislikes: Flies & rain. I don’t like anything landing on my back as I am a bit of a drama queen
Why I love my job: People pet me and tell me what a good girl I am
Breed: Blue Nose Pit Bull
Likes: Food (all kinds), long walks & big bear hugs
Dislikes: Getting wet & rainy days
Why I love my job: I get lots of love and treats on my visits
Breed: Shih Tzu
Likes: Like all Southern girls, I love going shopping & wearing pretty dresses
Dislikes: True to my name, Georgia Girl, I dislike the color orange
Why I love my job: Making new friends, sharing love & seeing them smile
Breed: Border Collie
Likes: I love to be scratched behind the ears, hiking, cuddling and visiting other people who want to pet me!
Dislikes: Scary loud noises like thunder & nail clippers
Why I love my job: It brings a wag to my tail when I make someone smile
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Likes: People, dogs, swimming, going on walks & car rides
Dislikes: Squirrels, cats, loud noises especially thunder & fireworks
Why I love my job: I get to meet new people and show off my tricks
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Likes: Shredding unattended magazines, counter surfing, being asked if I’m a good boy
Dislikes: Not getting all of the attention, nail trims, anything that delays feeding time
Why I love my job: I get to spread love everywhere I go
Breed: Golden Doodle
Likes: Feather cat toys, things that squeak, squirrels, hide and seek
Dislikes: Peanut butter, snowmen, car washes
Why I love my job: I get lots of treats, I make people laugh, and I get to show people what a cool dog I am. And I get ice cream when I’m done working!
Use the hashtag #GradyFurlunteer to see more photos on Instagram and Facebook.