NewsLocal News

Actions

Therapy dogs comfort patients at Bergan Mercy

Posted at 5:40 PM, Jan 29, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-29 18:40:50-05

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — There was some wag therapy at Bergan Mercy on Wednesday afternoon.

Volunteers brought 10 therapy dogs to the hospital to brighten everyone's day and relieve stress.

It didn't take long for patients' eyes to light up when they saw the dogs in the lobby.

Research shows pets can reduce your blood pressure, reduce anxiety and even help you live longer.

"There’s also biochemical things that happen in the brain,” said chief medical officer Devin Fox. “The release of oxytocin that helps elevate our moods and things so we have scientific evidence that there’s a benefit.”

The hospital has therapy dogs available to visit patients regularly. Wag therapy is an extra special day because there are many dogs on site for everyone to pet.