June 2017 Newsletter
A patient stated, "I greatly benefited from the presence of the dogs. They dispelled my worries while I was waiting for my treatment." We are spotlighting our work in Cancer Centers this month.
The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
"While working on the June calendar, I realized I had nothing listed for 'Comfort Dogs'. I panicked! Having Phoebe & Pax visit THE CENTER is a monthly highlight. We have even had requests for treatment on days that the Dogs are here. They seem to have a way of finding people who need them....rich/poor; young/old; 1st day of treatment/chemo veterans... listening and loving without judgement. And not just patients, staff as well. We are here to serve, but our jobs can take a toll and stress can be doing its dirty work on our spirits. Being able to hug those furry angels can give us that little bit of TLC we need to finish the day and refocus on helping our patients. Thanks to all of you for making THE CENTER a part of your day, you certainly make it better for all of us!" - Lesley Hunt, LVN, Patient Navigator
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Let's Hear from the Doctor
"When you have cancer patients that come in and they are sitting in a chemotherapy chair, that's the last thing they want to be doing in their lives - spending a day sitting in a chemotherapy chair getting an infusion of toxic drugs. It's wonderful how Phoebe (and Pax) can come in, in her sweet demeanor and simple things like put her head on your lap or look at you with her gentle eyes or wag her tail. It can really work to make a bad day into something a little bit brighter." - Ray Page DO, PhD - President and Director of the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
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JPS Cancer Center
"When Pax and Phoebe come to visit, the chaotic 'busy-ness' of the JPS chemo room quiets, conversations slow and smiles spread. Patients share stories while reaching out to scratch Pax behind his ear or under his snout. Patients place shaky hands on Phoebe's soft fur as she lays her head calmly on their laps. We always look forward to Pax and Phoebe visiting, and we are always thankful once they have been here. The mood of the room is always lifted." - Jenny Agnew, RN, BSN, OCN Team Lead Infusion
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Let's Hear from Research
Studies in cancer research and reports in The Journal of Community and Supportive Oncology have looked at and evaluated the impact of dogs such as Phoebe and Pax with cancer patients. Studies have shown when cancer patients get regular AAV's (Animal Assisted Visits), it actually improves their overall quality of life; it improves their emotional well-being. It makes them feel better and reduces anxiety, reduces stress and it takes their minds off of what is going on for the day. The dogs also help them socialize and communicate better about their disease.
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Contact
St. Paul Lutheran Church
1800 W. Freeway Ft. Worth, TX 76102 (817) 332.2281 k9comfortdog@gmail.com |
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Phoebe and Pax are ministry members of LCC. To learn more go to www.LutheranChurchCharities.org
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