VA Providence Unveils Canine Therapy Program to Boost Veteran Care
The VA Providence Healthcare System is proud to announce the successful launch of its Canine Therapy Program, aimed at enhancing the wellbeing and rehabilitation of Veterans within our care.
The program’s introduction has been met with overwhelming positivity from both Veterans and staff, marking a significant milestone in our continuous efforts to provide compassionate and comprehensive care.
Yesterday’s Meet & Greet session with the therapy dogs was a heartwarming success, witnessing an extraordinary engagement between the Veterans and the canines. The event brought smiles, laughter, and an overall uplift in spirits, particularly noted on the psychiatric unit. According to the unit’s social worker, the mood was the highest it had been in recent times, illustrating the immediate positive impact of canine companionship.
As an Occupational Therapist at the VA Providence Health System (VAPHS), I’ve observed firsthand the challenges faced by Veterans, including a lack of engaging activities and instances of low mood on the psychiatric unit. Our goal is to empower Veterans, enhancing their independence, quality of life, and participation in meaningful activities. Recognizing the potential benefits of canine therapy, we collaborated with various departments, including Patient Experience, Volunteer Services, Nursing, Social Work, and Environmental Management Services, to integrate this innovative approach into our occupational therapy interventions.
Our partnership with the Windwalker Humane Coalition has been instrumental in this initiative. They connected us with “Team Toner,” comprising canine handler Sharon Toner and her therapy dog, Moto, a standard poodle weighing 85 pounds. Moto is a seasoned professional in delivering comfort and affection, adept at engaging with Veterans who seek his companionship and maintaining a respectful distance from those who prefer to observe.
“Team Toner” collaborates weekly with Haley Gardiner, OTR/L, our dedicated inpatient occupational therapist, on the psychiatric unit. This partnership is not only aimed at improving Veterans’ social functioning and managing stress and anxiety but also at enhancing mood and overall mental health.
The VA Providence Healthcare System is excited about the potential of the Canine Therapy Program to make a difference in the lives of Veterans. The positive feedback from the initial meet & greet underscores our commitment to exploring innovative approaches to care. Looking ahead, we hope to expand the program to other units, further embedding the therapeutic presence of canines within our holistic care model for Veterans.
This initiative is a testament to our dedication to the mental and emotional well-being of our Veterans. We are grateful for the support of our partners and the community in making this program a reality. Together, we continue to strive for excellence in Veteran care, ensuring they receive the respect, dignity, and quality of life they deserve.