(SIOUX CITY, IA) Pets can be a human's best companion and research shows animals can lighten the mood for us on any given day. Mercy Medical Center's Pet and Art Therapy program has one four-pawed friend helping patients.
"Grover brings a lot of happiness here at the hospital, not just to patients but to staff as well. Everybody that sees him, it brings a smile to their face," said Melissa Wallace, a Behavioral Health Therapist at Mercy.
Grover Cleveland is a basset hound with a career. This talented canine's been working alongside his owner for the past four months.
"He allows individuals to relax and experience a comfort level that frees them up to be able to talk about these experiences and to move the process of recovery," said Brian Damon, a Psycho Therapist at Mercy.
Grover is a certified and trained pet therapist helping two Pathways therapy groups.
"He's been an amazing addition to our program here, both Grover and Melissa. It's really enhanced the Pathways program."
His colleagues said using pets to treat any emotional or physical problem is just another option for patients.
"I think the more ways you have to reach people the better," said Wallace.
Mercy has 15 to 20 Pathways therapy programs. Melissa Wallace also includes art therapy along with her pal, Grover.
