CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Paws for Patients program at Driscoll Children's Hospital is bringing smiles to the faces of kids that need it most.
There are six therapy dogs that are part of the program. Those running the program said that these dogs are needed since kids can feel fear and anxiety as they receive treatment at the hospital.
But once the dogs come into the room, their mood instantly changes.
"Immediately, you can see a change in their behavior," Driscoll Children's Hospital volunteer services manager Sarah Centeno said. "They sit up, they get excited. These dogs get in bed with them, and they just get to spend as much time as they need with that dog."
Lani, a four-year-old Miniature Australian Shepard, is therapy dog handler Marina Sanchez's personal dog. Lani also has training as a therapy dog.
Sanchez said she always wanted a dog that could give back to the community, just like she is in the Paws for Patients program.
"I don't even tell her where to go, so goes where she knows she's needed," Sanchez said.
When she is not volunteering at Driscoll, Sanchez is a local veterinary technician. She said Lani knows how to make kids feel better when they are upset, including parents and visitors.
"Whether it's them being here just for a slight cough or, you know, having cancer, it's very stressful," Sanchez said. "Seeing a dog come in just, you know, bring the life back into them where they're here."
Centeno said there are multiple opportunities for the dogs to visit kids during the week. She said patients that are there on a longterm basis can see all six dogs. The dogs also visit different departments throughout the hospital to relieve stress.
"This is an emotionally complex place to work and so we're there to meet the needs of staff, our patients and our families," Centeno said.
Sanchez said they are looking for more escorts to help get everything set up for the dogs when they visit kids.
If someone is interested in volunteering for the Paws for Patients program, Centeno said they can visit their website to find the online application.