People and dogs seem to have a bond that defies ordinary definition, and that bond is known to provide health benefits. There is a stack of medical research which shows that interacting with a dog lowers human blood pressure, improves cardiovascular health and reduces anxiety.

In Fort Dodge, patients have a unique opportunity to take advantage of the human-canine healing connection.

There are four therapy dogs that work at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Regional Medical Center. The newest addition to the staff is Tedwin, a Corgi owned by Toni Deal, of Coalville. Tedwin and Deal also visit Humboldt Memorial Community Hospital and Van Diest Medical Center in Webster City.

The local therapy dog program was started by Linda Whaley, a nurse who retired from the Fort Dodge hospital. She told The Messenger some time ago that she thought about a therapy dog program while still working at Trinity Regional Medical Center, but waited until after she retired and had the time to really spend on the effort.

On Aug. 29, 2018, Whaley and her beagle, Sarah, became the first therapy dog team at the hospital.

In the following years they were joined by other teams of dogs and their owners. While the therapy dog teams respond to specific requests for assistance, much of their time in the hospital is spent making rounds and visiting patients.

The dog handlers are always impressed by the impact their pets have on the patients.

Whaley recalled that a physician once told her “What you and Sarah are doing for patients, we can’t prescribe in medicine.”

Not every dog can be a therapy dog. Each one must complete a training course, and they have to have some intangibles – complete obedience, the ability to love everyone and the ability to retain their composure when something chaotic goes on around them.

It is a significant commitment for the dogs and their owners. That’s why it is remarkable that we have four therapy dogs working in the local hospital.

The program would not exist at all if it was not for Whaley’s inspiration and dedication. Thousands of patients have enjoyed a moment of respite with a four-legged visitor thanks to her.

We thank her for bringing that innovative form of care to our local hospital. We thank the hospital’s administration and medical staff for having the foresight to approve of it.