Chilton Hospital’s ‘Pet Therapy Program’ helps patients heal in Pequannock

Lorrel Boughton, RN, a nurse in Chilton Hospital's Operating Room, pioneered this new service with her certified pet therapy dog, "Brodie." They visited patients on a fourth-floor medical/surgical unit who opted for the therapy, and then headed downstairs to the Surgical Services waiting room to ease anxiety for visitors. According to Boughton, Brodie was "like a magnet."

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHILTON HOSPITAL

Bill Schaefer of Pequannock is one of the first patients to enjoy Chilton Hospital's new Pet Therapy Program. He is joined by Operating Room Nurse Lorrel Boughton, RN (left), Chilton Vice President and CNO Joanne Reich, DNPc, RN, MA, NEA-BC; and new friend, Brodie.

"Everybody in the hallways and lobby wanted to pet him," she said.

Boughton began training Brodie at the Ramapo Kennel Club in Butler when he was just 4 months old. At a year, he was eligible to take the pet therapy class and became certified upon passing a test. The certification class was taken at The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs Inc., in Morris Plains. Dog trainers from Ramapo Kennel Club will be coming to Chilton in the near future with their dogs to help expand the program.

According to Boughton, the certification process is quite comprehensive.

"The instructors bang pots and pans and ring doorbells to test the dogs' calmness," she said. "In one of the exercises, you have to say, 'stay,' then leave the room for three minutes and come back. Also, they'll approach the dogs using wheelchairs and crutches and other things you'd expect them to be exposed to in a health-care setting to make sure they react appropriately."

Brodie, who is now just a little over 2 years old, has visited Cedar Crest Village in Pequannock, Morristown Medical Center, and Atlantic Rehabilitation Institute across the street from the hospital. He has also made appearances at a reading group for autistic children. In addition to pet therapy for patients, Morristown Medical Center also hold "Ruff Days," which are therapy dog visits to ease the anxiety of hospital employees. Boughton would like to look into a similar program for Chilton employees when there are enough pet therapy dogs and owners.

Many steps had to be taken before Brodie could visit Chilton. He needed a veterinarian's clearance to prove he had a complete physical and vaccinations. All medical requirements must be shown each year to prove eligibility.

Boughton had to do her share as well. She discussed the service with Chilton's administration and the Infection Control Department. The Medical Board then had to approve it. Boughton needed to also register as a volunteer. Brodie wears an Atlantic Health System (AHS) vest with the words, "Pet Therapy Dog" on one side and "Healing Paws," the name of AHS' pet therapy program, on the other.

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Chilton Hospital's 'Pet Therapy Program' helps patients heal in Pequannock