CHARLOTTE, N.C. — When you go to the hospital, most of the time it's because you're sick and need it. It can be a scary time while you face the unknown and talk with doctors.
- There are 32 therapy dogs that visit the main campus
- They spend time with patients who are preparing for surgery
- The dogs mostly work Monday to Friday
At Atrium Health, there are some volunteers that walk the halls to try and bring joy to patients during their stay.
There are 32 therapy dogs that visit the main campus, getting belly rubs and visiting with those that are sick or recovering from surgery.
Tammy Crutchfield and her dog, Barkley, typically visit the hospital once a week.
"It's just something I always wanted to do. As soon as my work schedule allowed, and my personal life allowed, I wanted to do that," Crutchfield says.
They spend time with patients like Ivan Rivera-Garcia, who is preparing for triple-bypass surgery.
"He was so great. He sat in my lap, that was the greatest thing I have seen for a long time," he says with a smile.
Barkley also enjoys visiting nurses like Maya Gantt.
"It's so relieving. It just feels like the dog will put a smile on your face, and make you feel like even though the day was so stressful that it's all worth it, and it makes it a lot better," Gantt says.
For Crutchfield, the best part of the visit is seeing people smile.
"You can just see the calmness on their face. You can just see them relax. It's just, it almost makes you cry," she says.
The dogs mostly work Monday to Friday, but will work weekends if there is a special request.