Man’s best friend eases stress at Health First hospitals

Health First hospitals are employing dogs to cheer up patients and also to assist families during difficult times.

WESH 2 met Jammer, the hospital system’s facility dog. Latest Forecast

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“He actually works five days a week,” said Joelle Boccabella, manager of volunteer and community services for Health First. “The difference between a facility dog and a therapy dog is that a therapy dog goes through certification and training once. Jammer has to be recertified every year.”

Jammer can do things like open and close doors. He can pick up items that may have fallen on the floor, and he lies down with patients.

There are also more than 20 therapy dogs that visit Health First hospitals.

“What we learn in trauma pastoral care is you have