Therapy dogs bring joy to a Chilean hospital

Therapy dogs are bringing hugs to a Chilean hospital

LOCATION: Santiago, Chile

The dogs stroll the hallways

and comfort young patients

NAME: RODRIGO ALVAREZ, PARENT OF PATIENT

"The therapy is perfect for the children. With children that are very sick, this helps them escape the stress of the hospital, of what they are living. The animals help children."

Patients and parents say

the dogs help relieve stress

The animals also bring

relief for health staff

NAME: TERESA NILO, HEALTH WORKER

"At the end of last year, therapy sessions with dogs were held and I registered and came. The experience was very satisfying, welcoming. Having the dogs by our side gives us peace of mind. You feel you are in a more welcoming place than in a hospital between four walls."

Animal-assisted therapy can reduce pain,

anxiety, depression and fatigue