Therapy dog provides calm in West Palm Beach VA emergency department

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — In a moment of crisis within the emergency department at the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System, a therapy dog named Honey provided a crucial 28 seconds of calm, helping a young Veteran connect with the care he urgently needed.

The incident occurred when a Veteran was struggling to remain calm, making it difficult for clinicians to administer immediate care. Barbara Romano, a volunteer with her therapy dog Honey, was called to assist. Within moments, Honey climbed onto the Veteran's hospital bed and stayed by his side.

Barbara Romano observed the Veteran's heart rate and blood pressure decrease significantly in just 28 seconds. As Honey remained a quiet presence, the Veteran began discussing his military service, his anxiety eased, and medical staff were able to provide the necessary treatment.

Romano, who volunteers with Honey, was inspired to honor her father, a Navy Veteran. Growing up, she witnessed the comfort dogs provided him throughout his life. "I saw how having dogs around helped," Romano said. Now, she and Honey bring that same comfort to Veterans at the Thomas H. Corey VA Medical Center.

Their visits are part of a broader initiative 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 healthcare organizations, including the VA, to integrate therapy dog programs into patient care.

Therapy dogs are intended to complement medical treatment, not replace it. They help create moments of trust and connection. Volunteer dog teams across the medical center visit various units, clinics, and waiting areas, sometimes sparking conversations, offering distractions, or simply providing quiet companionship.

For Romano, each visit serves as a tribute to her father. "I saw what dogs did for my dad," she said. "Now Honey and I have the opportunity to give that same comfort to other Veterans." These small moments, like 28 seconds of quiet company, can make a significant difference.