Medical City Arlington nurses get a therapy visit

The Heart of Texas Therapy Dogs were invited to visit the Medical City Arlington nurses, doctors, and other employees on Wednesday, September 9th, with our therapy dogs. We were so excited to finally put smiles on their faces, after having to be on hold for so long this spring and summer from therapy visits. I even chose to make the one hour drive to be able to participate! We were set up right outside the front entrance of the hospital during a shift change, so we would see the employees leaving their shift, along with those just arriving for work. Buses shuttle employees to the hospital from the employee parking lot. So, when they got off the bus, we were ready to meet, greet, and put smiles on their faces!

Everyone enjoyed all the dogs, as you can see in the pictures. They were so happy seeing the dogs and getting to pet them! It started their day with warmth and smiles. The employees leaving their shift were ready to go home, but after seeing the dogs, they stopped just to get a hug from the dogs and to pet them. It was awesome! It is always so rewarding to put smiles on their faces! One woman’s father had just passed away. When she saw the dogs, she hugged all of them with tears filled in her eyes. Just that one moment can make such a big difference in someone’s life! It took her mind off, if even for just a few moments, what she was going to have to deal with in the hours, days, and months ahead. It brought a smile to our faces along with emotional tears.

It was early, having to drive to be there at the hospital at 6:30 AM, but for just one moment being able to put a smile on someone’s face, it was so worth it! We will definitely do it again!

Written by Mary Cavanaugh

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