The Ripple Effect

Recently, I attended a meeting at UCLA where I was moved to tears. A few members of the People Animal Connection were invited to a board meeting with the Friends of Semel, the Institute for Neuroscience. We were there to relate special experiences we’d had while working in the neuropsych units as well as other areas of the hospital. Of course, our canine partners were there too.

Lynne and her Golden Retriever Leo had received a letter from a woman who, as a result of difficult circumstances, had spent an extended time in the psych unit. In an honest, beautifully written note, the patient expressed her gratitude for the essential part they’d played in her recovery. There was not a dry eye in the room as Lynne read the raw, heartfelt words.

Jane, a long time PAC volunteer, shared about two different patients who had done pictures of her dogs. These were such generous gifts from people who were suffering from major emotional or psychological issues. The first is a painting of her late, sweet Daisy. The second is of Bubbles, her fun-loving Lab who was at the meeting that morning.

Erin Rice, the director of PAC, told an incredible story that exemplifies the  power of our dogs. As part of the No One Dies Alone Program, Delancey, a black Lab, was brought in to sit with a man in his late thirties who was unresponsive and actively dying. Initially, even as they put his hands on the dog, there was no response. Then, miraculously and to the amazement of the family members crowded into his hospital room, the patient woke up and began communicating with his loved ones. Everyone had the chance to say their goodbyes. A few hours later he passed away peacefully.

We all nodded our heads as we heard about agitated, disruptive patients who calmed down while they were petting one of our dogs. We also related to stories about patients who, after long periods of withdrawal or depression, suddenly smiled or spoke during a visit.

As I listened to the stories and shared some of my own, it was overwhelming to think about the far reaching effects of the dogs, even at UCLA alone. PAC started in 1994 with only a few dogs. Today there are over seventy in the program. Can you imagine if each handler shared just one story?

I also thought about the ripple effect. For each patient who is helped by one of the dogs, how many others enjoy the benefits? For each sick child who giggles in delight as a PAC dog cuddles on the bed, there may be a mom, a dad, a brother a sister, or even a grateful staff member who will never forget that moment.