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Therapy Dogs

Therapy Dog Program at Butler Memorial Hospital

At Butler Health System (BHS), we promote a healing environment with services designed to aid patient recovery and well-being. Every patient deserves the best care, and we settle for nothing less. Prioritizing your recovery is a hallmark of our work. We take advantage of unique opportunities and programs to add to the patient experience and to enrich the recovery and healing journey of those we serve.

The therapy dog program at Butler Health System is an example of this "above and beyond” standard of care. Our therapy dogs provide patients a compassionate presence for our patients, and one of unconditional love. Our goal is to increase the emotional well-being of our patients and to promote the healing process. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact BHS to learn more.

Benefits of Therapy Dogs

Studies have shown that therapy animals can benefit patients both physically and mentally, with results that include:

  • Reduced blood pressure
  • Improved heart health
  • Reduced pain
  • Increased relaxation, which may lower the need for medication in some patients
  • Increase of calming endorphins/oxytocin
  • Reduced boredom, depression, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness and isolation
  • Increased socialization
  • Motivation to recover
  • Encouraging communication
  • Helping children overcome disorders that affect emotion and/or speech
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