Wow, what a day for Cora and I at Mayo Radiation Oncology. The Caring Canines have recently been outfitted with their official Mayo vests and this month also marks the 1st year of the program. The time has passed so quickly. Reflecting back makes me realize how important a Therapy Dog program is in a healthcare setting. Cora and I have met hundreds of patients and their families in that time period. The smiles, laughter and comfort that Cora and her peers has brought to this department are uncountable. It's an election year and healthcare is a big issue. Wouldn't it be great if Therapy animals were a routine part of treatment plans. I'd vote for it and I know everyone that has ever had an encounter with a Therapy team would cast a vote in favor of Animal Assisted Activities and Therapy!
Cora and I had a busy 2 days at Mayo this week. It's always brings a smile to my face when I see the positive reception that is given to us by the patients and their families. Today brought not only that big smile, but also, filled my heart with pride. A gentleman that was waiting for his radiation treatment had several questions about therapy dogs and how they functioned in the medical setting. After several minutes of telling him about the training involved and how we volunteer our time with the dogs, he looked down at Cora who was stretched out across his feet and said, "You are heroes, to be sharing in our moment of weakness"! Wow, I never would have imagined anyone calling us a hero. Looking up the true definition, it states, "a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act". Strange thing is that I look at these patients and draw strength from them. They stare cancer in the face, ...


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