TMC PULSE

t m c » p u l s e | j u ly 2 0 1 5 16 In 1984, the American biologist Edward O. Wilson examined this relationship more broadly and postulated that human beings' urge to affiliate with other forms of life actually helps sustain life. Indeed, clinical studies have shown that animal-assisted therapy measur- ably improves health by lowering blood pressure, diminishing the release of harmful hormones, decreasing anxi- ety, stimulating positive changes in immune function and reducing symp- toms of depression. The studies are ongoing in hopes of securing further funding and shaping more programs. Researchers from the UTHealth School of Nursing, including Sandy Branson, Ph.D., Lisa Boss, Ph.D., Mara Baun, Ph.D., Duck-Hee Kang, Ph.D., and Nikhil Padhye, Ph.D., are currently conducting a randomized control trial with Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital and Faithful Paws to evaluate anxiety, mood/affect, and bio- logical stress responses in hospitalized children ages seven to 17 by comparing and their families are amazed when the pack appears. They are surprised that there are actually dogs in the hospital! The toddlers become very excited and the older children want to get close, to touch and hug them. I've had the privilege of watching these dogs play a major role in the healing process for our patients." In addition to the significant clinical implications, animal-assisted therapy also stimulates socialization and con- versation, or can simply offer entertain- ment or diversion from an illness or upcoming procedure. "Our main goal with pet therapy is to comfort the patients," said Amy W hen patients and their families arrive at Ronald McDonald House Houston—often exhausted from their travels and anxious about the treatments and procedures ahead—they are frequently greeted at the door by a wagging tail and a few happy, sloppy kisses from Mogie, the House's Key Comfort Ambassador. "Mogie loves his job at RMH," said Leslie Bourne, chief executive officer of Ronald McDonald House Houston. "He takes the business of play very seriously." The five-year-old Labradoodle was trained specifically for his job as Key Comfort Ambassador, but is by no means qualified as a certified therapy pet— in fact, that's part of what makes him so ideal for a setting like Ronald McDonald House Houston. "Therapy dogs are taught to be very calm in the hospital or work environment, and Mogie is anything but that," Bourne explained. "He loves tennis balls and will play fetch all day long—something trained therapy dogs are not allowed to do at work. But his infectious energy and playful spirit actually provide the kind of therapy our families and kids need the most during their stay at the House." In addition to greeting new families and playing fetch, Mogie also loves to take naps with children, watch TV, and cuddle with anyone who is feeling sick or scared. He enjoys meeting kids from all over the world who come to the Texas Medical Center for treatment, and he especially likes learning new languages and hearing about different cultures and backgrounds. One of his personal passions is promoting the mission of Ronald McDonald House Houston, and he has visited local libraries and schools to help support its programs. He believes strongly in the power of literacy and is even the star of his very own children's book titled, "Mogie: Heart of the House," which tells the true story of a free-spirited puppy destined to change the lives of the people around him through his positive attitude and unwavering compassion. Cesak, child life activity coordinator at Texas Children's Hospital. "The animals really help normalize and socialize the hospital environment for them. A few months ago we had a little girl who refused to speak—she'd been here for at least three or four days and she wouldn't say a word—but as soon as one of the dogs walked in, her face lit up and she began talking. She even got out of bed and followed the dog down the hallway and started interact- ing with the staff for the first time. It's really neat to see how an animal can provide comfort in a totally different way than a human can." Our mission is to provide unconditional love to people who are facing a rough time in their lives, and over the years we've seen how a simple interaction with animals can transform patients' emotional, cognitive or social state. — CONNIE RICHARDS Founder and Director of Faithful Paws Mogie: Ronald McDonald House Houston's Key Comfort Ambassador the responses between animal-assisted activity and non-animal assisted activity control groups. The study examines self-reported as well as biological responses measured through saliva, including cortisol and inflam- matory markers—to determine just how substantial the influence can be on pediatric patients. "It is so easy to see the positive impact of the visit by the dogs and their handlers," said Richard Weir, director of Child Life and Expressive Therapies at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital. "Anxiety levels that often come with being in a clinical setting drop, almost palpably. The children

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