Mount Pleasant Magazine Nov/Dec 2021

76 PETS www.MtPl easant . Pet | www.MPVet s . Pet | www. f acebook . com/MPpet s F E A T U R E DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES MUSC has a robust Animal Assisted Therapy Program, one that prides itself on the hospital’s mission statement: “changing what’s possible in health care.” I like to think we’re contributing with an innovative approach, one paw at a time. When partnered with physicians, therapists and nurses, canine intervention assists our patients to reach their health goals, remain positive and motivated. These therapy dogs specialize in tail-wagging happiness all across the Lowcountry. In addition to the four major hospitals downtown, therapy dogs are assigned to more than seven outpatient clinics, recently including a Pediatric Specialty Clinic located on North Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant. On any given day, pediatric patients may be given the option of having a therapy pup participate in their sched- uled appointment. Pediatricians find some of their patients respond well during examinations, consultations, and/or treatments with a little paw to hold, coat to brush or wag- ging tail to watch. Therapy dog teams at MUSC are welcomed throughout our facilities and have made a significant impact in the lives of thousands over the years. With more than 81 active teams in this program, therapy dogs are available for, but not limited to, the following: • spend time with care team members as well as non-clinical staff members throughout the hos- pital — Administration, Finance, Chaplains and Facilities/Environmental Services need puppy love too! • share tail-wagging happiness with medical stu- dents cramming for exams • remain with a patient in pre-op before surgery • sit with family members in the surgical waiting rooms • provide comfort for the families and medical teams during end-of-life honor walks • partner with physical, recreational and occupa- tional therapists for rehab appointments • be bedside in post-op if needed to lower blood pressure