St. Francis Medical Center: Everyone Needs a Buddy

As the leading inpatient rehabilitation facility in the region, Saint Francis Medical Center's rehabilitation program plays an important role in improving the overall health and achieving various levels of independence for its patients. Highly trained therapists and professionals work together to restore the lives of their patients, often collaborating with the Orthopedic Institute and Neurosciences Institute to create seamless, personalized and effective therapy plans.

Rehabilitative services commonly used at the Medical Center include: aquatic therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, community reintegration … and now, Buddy therapy.

Saint Francis recently added an exciting new dimension of energy and motivation to patient rehabilitation: Buddy the therapy dog. This five-year-old Golden Retriever is Pet Pals-trained and an American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen. He works with his therapy patients twice a week, adding much-needed variety and encouragement to patients facing difficult and often draining rehabilitation routines.

Saint Francis Medical Partner and physiatrist Heidi J. Hunter, MD, adopted him when he was just one. Together, they went through multiple obedience classes. Because he is Pet Pals-trained, he is able to join her at the Medical Center as a therapy dog. Pet therapy is commonly known to decrease stress, anxiety, physical pain and depression, while increasing patients' motivation and happiness.

"Basically, Buddy comes in with me once during the week and works with my rehab patients," Dr. Hunter explains. "He helps patients with their sense of touch, balance, walking, communication and cognitive skills and so many other important abilities.

"I think the true value of having Buddy there with me is the companionship he gives his patients … the bond that humans have with animals, whether that be dogs, cats or horses, is so strong," continues Dr. Hunter. "Most of my patients have pets at home, which motivates them to get home to their own dog or cat and become more independent again.

When Buddy isn't at work at the Medical Center, his patients definitely miss him -- always asking Dr. Hunter where he is. Plus, employee satisfaction is always higher when Buddy is around. His presence helps make daily therapy tasks feel different and more dynamic. Everybody loves him … and loves the results that he brings.

For more information on Buddy, call 573-331-3996.