Northeast Regional Medical Center Now Offers Canine Therapy Program

Northeast Regional Medical Center

Patients and visitors to Northeast Regional Medical Center may occasionally hear the clatter of furry little footsteps in the hallways. The hospital offers a therapy dog ​​program as part of its ongoing commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.

“The Therapeutic Visitation Dog Program is a therapeutic service offered to patients treated at Northeast Regional Medical Center. This therapeutic service uses dogs to enhance the emotional, psychological, social and physical well-being of patients,” said Cassie Geisendorfer, RN and Emergency Department Clinical Care Coordinator. “The goal of the program is to stimulate feelings of affection, play and fun, enhance sensory integration and tactile stimulation, increase motivation, improve social skills, improve fine motor development and alleviate feelings of depression, anxiety and stress.”

Geisendorfer and his therapy dog ​​Luna, a 2-year-old blue merle Border Collie, have been a team for the past year. Luna holds a therapy dog ​​certification from Therapy Dogs International (TDI), an organization dedicated to regulating, testing and registering therapy dogs for the purpose of visiting healthcare facilities such as hospitals. According to TDI, therapy dog ​​visits have been shown to reduce blood pressure and stress levels in the people they interact with. Therapy dog ​​certification requires rigorous and ongoing testing, temperament and behavior assessments and medical records certified by a veterinarian.

The goal is for Luna to be on site at least once a week to visit patients and staff.

“Luna and I have loved visiting with patients and staff. It’s so rewarding to be able to brighten people’s days throughout the hospital!” Geisendorfer said.

Luna is quickly becoming popular, with patients and staff asking when they can see her again. Be on the lookout for Luna and Cassie the next time you’re on the Northeast Regional Medical Center campus.