Patients at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital Welcome Back Buddy with Open Arms (Palos Park, IL) — In another sign of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital is excited to announce the return of the pet therapy program. This week, Buddy, an Old English Sheep Dog, and his handler Marty Strubin visited patients on the orthopedics inpatient unit to lift spirits. Buddy last visited Palos Hospital three years ago when animal assisted activities had to be suspended due to the global pandemic.
“The effects of pet therapy are palpable. Visits by certified animals can help reduce anxiety and stress, as well as relieve feelings of homesickness for patients who miss their own animals. The action of hugging and snuggling the pet provides a sense of home while also motivating patients to move,” said Donna Nadelhoffer, volunteer services manager at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital.
Buddy and Strubin, of Palos Park, are members of the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, an international registry of certified therapy dog teams.
At Northwestern Medicine, patients and staff receive visits from animals that are approved through qualified organizations. The animals support therapeutic activities and interventions and provide an emotional boost for people in need.
For more information, visit https://www.nm.org/patients-and-visitors/volunteer/animal-handler-volunteers#
Patients at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital Welcome Back Buddy with Open Arms
