Meet Wynn, A Comfort Dog
In times of stress, our furry companions can offer an immense amount of comfort. The coronavirus has caused an upheaval in many of our lives and if you are a frontline worker, itโs likely that you are dealing with high-stress levels every day. One hospital in Denver has found a way to help workers stay calm. They are enlisting a service dog in training to provide calming relief in the middle of their hectic days.
A Four-Legged Front Line Worker
Wynn is a one-year old Labrador who is being trained by Susan Ryan an emergency physician at Rose Medical Center. Ryan has been training Wynn since she was eight weeks old and frequently takes the dog in for hospital visits to brighten the day for providers and patients. The dog is currently set up in the social workerโs office and is on call for workers who need stress-relieving breaks. They can enjoy an atmosphere with dimmed lights and soothing music while spending time with Wynn. Itโs a great way for them to take a mental time out before returning to their busy workday. Of course, everyone must wash their hands before and after visiting with the animal to keep the spread of the virus under control.
Animals For Emotional Support
โSeeing stuff and hearing stuff that you canโt unsee has an impact on you,โ Ryan explains. Thatโs where the dogs come in. When you are in the presence of the dog and petting them you are taking a moment to ground yourself at that present time.โ Once Wynn is trained, she will become an assistance dog for Canine Companions for Independence, a nonprofit that provides assistance dogs free of charge to adults, children and veterans with disabilities. Animals are often used to provide emotional support to those in need. Wynnโs efforts are helping the doctors fighting the pandemic by giving them much-needed soothing relief. With everyone doing their part, we can beat this thing.
80% of Dogs Develop Arthritis or Joint Pain by 7 Years old – Here’s How to Protect Them
Most of us train our dogs when they are puppies to jump up on furniture.ย We think it’s harmless (and easier than always lifting them), but for dogs, couches and beds are very high compared to the size of their bodies.
Every time they jump it compresses their back and applies enormous force to their joints.
It’s no wonder that an incredible 80% of dogs experience arthritis or joint pain by only 7 years old.
Luckily, there is a vet-recommended solution.
It’s the PawRamp by Alpha Paw. An adjustable ramp that allows dogs to safely get on and off couches and beds. PawRamp makes joining you in bed or on the couch effortless and fun.
As a bonus, you can use code SAVE35 to get $35 off the PawRamp today.