Parkview Pups is a unique program provided by Parkview co-workers for Parkview co-workers. This opportunity invites employees and their beloved dogs to become certified therapy teams who visit departments throughout the health system. Recently, we spent the day with Jenny Nott, RT (R)(MR), MRSO (MRSC™), MRI specialist, and her dog Bella, the 4-year-old Newfoundland, to follow them on a visit to Parkview Noble Hospital and witness how this duo brings a pleasant surprise to those who work hard to keep the community healthy.
What it takes
Jenny shared that Bella's gentle nature, love of attention and overall calm demeanor made her a good fit for the Parkview Pups program. As a Newfoundland, Bella belongs to a breed of canines known for their long history of rescue work, assisting fishermen and rescuing people from the water. But these credentials alone aren't enough to secure an ID badge and sleek grey harness.
Before Bella could officially join the program, she and Jenny completed a six-month-long training and certification process, which is financially supported by donors through the Parkview Health Foundation. All canine companions are temperament tested and certified through the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen™ (CGC) program and Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD).
Training day
"The training program consists of a lot of different steps and lots of tests. The process wasn't too surprising, but it was rigorous," Jenny said. The first step is that they do a temperament test to see how we interact, the handler and the dog. Once you're a good fit, then you start into the training program."
Therapy dogs must be capable of remaining calm and responsive in a variety of environments. To prepare for the unexpected, Bella and Jenny practiced essential skills like accepting contact from a friendly stranger, walking through a crowd and various other cues that help ensure Bella's presence is a positive experience for everyone involved.
To keep their skills fresh, Jenny and Bella attend weekly classes with fellow therapy handlers and pups. Within this diverse group, Bella has become an unexpected "Parkview Pal" to Mika, a miniature dachshund and the smallest dog in the program.
Making the rounds
"When I get my Parkview Pups Wellbeing shirt and khaki pants, Bella knows that it's time to go," Jenny said. "Bella always gets excited, so she doesn't mind where we go. She likes all the locations."
During a typical visit, Jenny and Bella plan a route for co-workers who have requested a visit that day, but they also take time to spread love to everyone they meet along the way. While the visits are brief, growing research indicates that even short interactions with therapy animals can help reduce stress and anxiety among healthcare workers and aid in preventing burnout. "It's really great to go meet a lot of co-workers that I would never have a chance to meet and to see how much joy this brings them," she said. "They are always so excited, and seeing Bella brings smiles to their faces."
After a full day of sharing laughs and tail wags, Jenny and Bella end their shift by sanitizing and wiping down their gear. Then, Bella is ready for a well-earned nap.
Parkview Pups is funded in partnership with the Parkview Health Foundations. To learn more about supporting the Parkview Pups Program, please contact the Parkview Foundations at ParkviewFoundations@parkview.com.
