In the coming months, healing for our pediatric patients walks on four legs as pet therapy will be dashing to Harbor Pediatrics. Harbor Pediatrics and Child Life Services is partnering with Paws 4 Healing to bring smiles and expedited recuperation to patients in our ward. Pet therapy joins the already established music therapy by the Children’s Music Fund and art therapy by Elizabeth’s Canvas.
Child Life Services Director Melissa Hebron-Abo, CLS, has worked closely with Dr. Zangwill, Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases to create a policy which will ensure the safety of our patients and faculty. The friendly animals will do 1-on-1 therapy with our patients, keeping their spirits high while they are in our care.
Paws 4 Healing, Inc. was founded in September 2003 by a group of experienced Animal-Assisted Therapy teams. They are dedicated to the healing of mind, body, and spirit through the unconditional love of their pets. Paws 4 Healing volunteers visit facilities such as, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, schools, children’s centers, and battered women’s homes to name a few, and will be bringing unfiltered joy to Harbor-Pediatrics.