New therapy dog helping kids at Cook Children's hospital
DALLAS - A new dog is bringing smiles to the faces of young patients at Cook Children's in Fort Worth.
Neely joined three other therapy dogs at the hospital to help children with issues such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, autism and ADHD.
The almost 2-year-old golden retriever arrived just a few weeks ago but has been training for her job since she was just 6 weeks old.
"She actually comes on the unit daily and sees our kiddos. She helps in family therapy, group therapy and recreational therapy. Just really helps the kiddos relax and have a venue to kind of talk to about their emotions in a relaxed manner and really comfortable manner," said Shane Shockley, Neely's handler and the nurse manager of psychiatry at Cook.
All four therapy dogs were trained by Canine Assistants and part of a program called Sit.. Stay.. PLAY! They work full time with their handlers at the hospital.