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Trained dogs working inside hospitals help ease burnout among health care staff

Outside HCA HealthONE Rose medical center in Denver, the snow is flying. Inside, on the third floor, there's a flurry of activity at Labor and Delivery.

January 29, 2025
Canine Companion “Dogtor” Peppi at HCA HealthONE Rose in Denver, Nov. 8, 2024, with handler, Dr. Susan Ryan.

A pair of dogs, tails wagging, had come by a nearby nursing station, causing about a dozen medical professionals to melt into a collective puddle of affection. A yellow Lab named Peppi showered Fraser in nuzzles and kisses. "I don't know if a human baby smells as good as that puppy breath!" Fraser had said as her colleagues laughed.
 

Read the NPR article

Published:
January 29, 2025

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