Susan Poludniak’s dog, Rogan, gets a kiss from patient Robin Myers.

Patients at Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU (SCI) can benefit from a new treatment. Certified therapy dogs help patients cope and heal from health issues.

Animal therapy is used in many settings, and studies have shown benefits to the patient such as reduced blood pressure and elevated mood. Especially popular with the elderly in long-term care facilities, veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder  and pediatric patients, dogs, cats, rabbits and even horses provide immeasurable health benefits.

Dan Austif trained his dogs Shamus, Darby and Radar under trainer Susan Poludniak. The rigorous training is more than just “sit” and “stay” for the dogs. To be certified animal therapy dogs, they must be able to complete certain obedience tasks such as sitting in a spot and staying without barking, whining or pulling while the owner leaves the room. The dogs are trained to remain calm in the tense circumstances they may encounter in medical settings, such as a wheelchair or stretcher going by, canes and walkers or someone collapsing from a heart attack or seizure. Poludniak’s sable-coated, six-year-old German Shepherd, Rogan, is also a therapy dog.

Dora Hayes and Dan Austif ‘s dog, Darby, quickly become friends.

“Pet therapy benefits patients, their families and caregivers,” says Dr. Thomas Robbins, director of SCI. “These special animals offer a distraction from illness and treatment and provide a lot of smiles for all of us.”

Read more about SCI’s animal therapy program in our latest edition of aspects.

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