By Nick Jacobs

The American Humane Association's Phil Akrow believes in the power of animals being able to help sick humans. More and more facts and figures, he says in a USA Today article, show that time with a pet may be, "as powerful in the person's recovery as the medical treatment."

Dozens of Planetree facilities, nursing homes, and other hospitals have embraced the concept of pet therapy for nearly a decade now; the amazing results that have come from the visitations to our facilities from our therapy dogs have been, not only amazing, but also rewarding and exciting.

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"All pet owners and most in the medical community now acknowledge the healing power of animals," the article reads. "Some doctors even write prescriptions giving hospitalized patients access to the pets they left at home."

Ray Pals, director of pediatric hematology/oncology at Knoxville's East Tennessee Children's Hospital, regularly counsels patients and their families regarding pets for his healing. Lizards, turtles, and pet birds are not recommended due to the risk of salmonella and droppings dust from the birds that can infiltrate the lungs. These are the only major pet considerations recommended for avoidance in several immune-compromised patients. Interestingly, most of the fear of infection for kids undergoing cancer treatments doesn't come from animals, but from infections created by the patient's own body germs.

In the spirit of making hospitals the very best places they can be for healing, my question is, why haven't you started an animal therapy program yet? For policies, guidance, or additional information regarding pet therapy, contact me at jacobsfn@aol.com.