and pink cell phone .
Ms . Woodward chatted with her about how the treatment had gone this time and how she was feeling .
“ I ’ m nervous ,” Ashley says . She was going for a scan in the next week to track how the treatment had affected her brain tumor .
“ What do you do to help yourself relax ?” asks Ms . Woodward .
“ I try to poke fun at myself . I hissed at the doctor last night . I find if I laugh I do better ,” her patient says . However , Ashley received good news . Her scan was clear — there was no evidence of the tumor !
Often on her monthly visits , Ashley visits younger patients who are also staying overnight . “ I like to hang out with the kids and give them a break from all this ,” she says . Although most of her friends have started college , Ashley postponed her first semester until she was feeling better . She hopes to start next fall and is interested in becoming a child life specialist .
“ Your experience will certainly serve you well . You have such a different perspective to share with patients . You ’ d be a great fit ,” Ms . Woodward says . “ You think so ?” Ashley asks . “ Absolutely . You have such an amazing attitude ,” says Ms . Woodward . n
Pet Partners Therapy at McLane Children ’ s Hospital Scott & White
Evidence exists that animals have the ability to help patients recover faster in the hospital . Pet partner therapy dogs have helped many patients , ranging from those with medical conditions like cancer to those who face mental health issues , like military personnel returning from deployment .
For pediatric patients , therapy dogs help them feel more at home while they are in the hospital , and promote social interaction as well . The animals can help alleviate anxiety and even lower patients ’ blood pressure . And there is evidence to suggest that the presence of a therapy animal can assist in pain management . Most importantly , they offer love , acceptance , and empathy to hospitalized children and their families .
At McLane Children ’ s Hospital Scott & White , a variety of pet visitors frequent the facility , including dogs , miniature horses , and miniature donkeys . All visiting animals must be certified through the Delta Society , a national nonprofit organization that trains and screens volunteers and their pets before they are allowed to visit hospitals , nursing homes , hospices , therapy centers , schools , and other facilities . More than 10,000 handler / animal teams currently bring joy , compassion , and comfort to individuals around the United States .
“ We are grateful to those who choose to bring their animals to visit , as they voluntarily make a commitment of time and talent to seek the Delta Society certification ,” says Jan Upchurch , director , Child Life Department at McLane Children ’ s Hospital Scott & White . “ While the animals and their owners are here to serve our patients , they bring just as much joy and comfort to the staff of the hospital as well .”
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