Therapy Dog In Training Is Helping People On The Frontline Of Coronavirus

Healthcare workers on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic are being pushed to their limits.

Treating seriously ill patients on top of a global pandemic has left many broken, upset and wondering when they will get some reprieve.

Well, one hospital has a very small but very worthwhile distraction when staff need a little escape.

An emergency physician at Rose Medical Center in Denver has been bringing her one-year-old Labrador into work with her to give healthcare workers a mental break.

Susan Ryan/Facebook

Wynn is a service dog in training and has been monumental in helping staff switch off, even if it's just for a few seconds.

The dog's owner, Susan Ryan, has told CNN: "Seeing stuff and hearing stuff that you can't unsee has an impact on you.

"That's where the dogs come in. When you are in the presence of the dog and petting them you are taking a moment to ground yourself at that present time.

"It's been the brightest part of our day."

Susan Ryan/Facebook

The emergency physician explained how seeing Wynn after a particularly difficult moment helped her get back on her feet.

"I saw Wynn coming back in from being walked outside," Ryan told CNN. "I just slumped down on the floor and said 'can I just have a minute with her'?'"

Obviously a hospital can't have a dog running around the Emergency Department or in between beds, so they've set Wynn up in a special room near the social worker's office.

Susan Ryan/Facebook

Anyone who needs a mental health break can nip into the area and have a chill out with the Labrador, who is always happy and keen to meet people.

Everyone who wants a visit has to wash their hands and make sure they aren't covered in anything that could harm Wynn.

Sadly, Wynn won't be able to keep giving out hugs and pats at the Rose Medical Center forever.

She is training to become an assistance dog for Canine Companions for Independence, which is a non-profit that gives these animals to adults, children and veterans who need help for free.

Until then, everyone at Susan's hospital will be able to get a small mental reprieve from this pandemic.

Topics: News, Coronavirus, Animals

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie