Therapy dog's 28 seconds of calm aids Veteran in crisis at West Palm Beach VA

WEST PALM BEACH – In a moment of intense need within the emergency department at the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System, a therapy dog named Honey provided a crucial 28 seconds of calm that helped a young Veteran connect with the care he required.

The incident unfolded when a Veteran was struggling to remain calm, making it difficult for clinicians to administer urgent care. Barbara Romano, a volunteer, and her therapy dog Honey were called to assist. Honey, a certified therapy dog, approached the Veteran and gently climbed onto his hospital bed, offering quiet companionship.

Within 28 seconds of Honey's presence, Romano observed a significant decrease in the Veteran's heart rate and blood pressure. As the dog rested beside him, the Veteran began to speak about his military service, his anxiety eased, and clinicians were able to provide the necessary medical attention.

Romano, who volunteers with Honey to honor her late father, a Navy Veteran, noted the profound impact of the moment. "I saw how having dogs around helped," she said, recalling the comfort dogs provided her father throughout his life. "Now Honey and I have the opportunity to give that same comfort to other Veterans."

The therapy dog program at the Thomas H. Corey VA Medical Center, where Romano and Honey volunteer, aims to make Veterans feel more at ease during their healthcare experiences. Research indicates that therapy dog visits can reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, improve mood, and encourage social interaction. These benefits have led many healthcare organizations, including the VA, to integrate therapy dog programs into patient care.

While therapy dogs are not a substitute for medical treatment, they serve as a valuable complement to healthcare teams, fostering moments of trust and connection. Volunteer dog teams across the medical center visit various units, offering a welcome distraction, sparking conversations, or simply providing quiet support.