Imagine walking into a hospital, not just to see doctors and nurses, but also a friendly Labrador wagging its tail, ready to brighten someone’s day. At Rose Medical Center in Denver, therapy dogs like Peppi aren’t just cute visitors—they’re part of the team, helping doctors and nurses handle the intense stress of saving lives.
Healthcare workers face high levels of burnout, anxiety, and even PTSD. But research shows that spending time with animals can lower stress, improve mood, and bring people back to the present moment. For Dr. Susan Ryan, an emergency physician, working with therapy dogs changed everything. After struggling with PTSD from years in the ER, she found comfort in a Labrador. Now, she and Peppi work together to support hospital staff and patients alike.
One EMT put it best: “When I have a bad day at work and I see Peppi, my day gets better.” And it’s not just Rose Medical Center—more hospitals are seeing the benefits of therapy dogs. Even the hospital’s CEO got his own trained dog, giving new meaning to the phrase chief morale officer.
Could therapy dogs be the future of stress relief in high-pressure jobs? Maybe! But one thing’s for sure—sometimes, the best medicine comes on four paws.
