Therapy Pups Bring Joy to Patients at Swedish Edmonds

It's a well known fact that animals can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and promote healing. The Swedish Edmonds Therapy Pups (STP) program began in early 2008 and now you can see the pups visiting with patients online via a doggy cam.

Videos of pet therapy visits may be viewed by clicking the below links. Animal-assisted therapy brings smiles and makes a difference in the lives of patients.

Recent Therapy Pups Videos

Dog Cam Intro
Dog Cam #1
Dog Cam #2
Dog Cam #3
Dog Cam #4
Dog Cam #5
Dog Cam #6
Dog Cam #7
Dog Cam #8
Dog Cam #9
Dog Cam #10
Dog Cam #11
Dog Cam #12
Dog Cam #13
Dog Cam #14
Dog Cam #15
Dog Cam #16
Dog Cam #17
Dog Cam #18
Dog Cam #19
Dog Cam #20
Dog Cam #21
Dog Cam #22
Meet Armani
Dog Cam #23
Dog Cam #24
Dog Cam #25
Dog Cam #26
Dog Cam #27
Dog Cam #28
Dog Cam #29
Dog Cam #30
Dog Cam #31
Dog Cam #32
Dog Cam #33
Dog Cam #34
Dog Cam #35

Follow us

Follow us on Twitter for new doggy cam postings.

Four-legged Volunteer Program Expanded

img_volunteer_pup2Recently, the Swedish Edmonds Therapy Pups (STP) program expanded to include more than 10 teams of volunteer handlers and their Pet Partners®. Presently, the teams visit patients on surgery floors, but they can be stopped for a visit any time you see them in the halls. While their primary purpose is to see hospital patients, they often visit patients’ family and friends too.

“We hope to grow this program to a total of 21 teams,” says Christi Dudzik, director of the STP program. “This would allow Swedish Edmonds to have a visiting team seven days a week in the morning, afternoon and early evening. I would also like to expand the program to include other departments and floors of the hospital.”

Becoming an STP Animal Therapy Team

All animal therapy teams at Swedish Edmonds undergo a therapy dog training course and are required to pass an in-depth evaluation by a recognized therapy animal organization. The preparation classes typically cover the following topics:

Working with Your Animal

  • Identifying Stress
  • Learning commands for use in the therapy setting
  • Practicing around healthcare equipment

As a Therapy Animal Handler

  • Working with patients
  • Approaching patients who may not be feeling well or who are not receptive to a dog visit
  • Outlining the specific responsibilities of a handler
  • Addressing common staff concerns regarding visiting animal programs
  • Learning about infection control

If you are interested in becoming an STP therapy team, contact Christi Dudzik, director of the STP program, at 425-640-4852 or Christi.Dudzik@swedish.org.