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Who Let The Dogs Out?


	Former patient Tina Kennedy of Donora shares her bed with her new friend Tommy, a member of Monongahela Valley Hospital’s Animal Assisted Therapy Program.

Recently, the halls of Monongahela Valley Hospital have been overflowing with interest and excitement as Tommy, the first member of the MVH Animal Assisted Therapy program, greets patients and staff members with his gentle paws and soft nose.

“More people know his name than know mine,” Christine Baloh, Director of Social Services at MVH and owner of Tommy, said with a smile.

Originally from North Carolina, Tommy, an English Springer Spaniel, spent the first few years of his life as a show dog. After obtaining a Championship Conformation Title at age two, Tommy’s breeder saw greater potential for him and decided after a four hour interview, Tommy was going to be Baloh’s future companion.

Tommy is loving, well behaved and relates well to people, said Baloh.

After settling in to his new home, Baloh enrolled Tommy in obedience and agility classes and now competes. Realizing his gentle and calm disposition and how quick he was at learning, Baloh registered Tommy for therapy classes with Therapy Dogs International (TDI).


	While practicing his agility skills, Tommy jumps through hoops for his owner, Christine Baloh.

Since 1976, TDI has been a volunteer organization devoted to regulating, testing and registering therapy dogs. Their handlers visit hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions where therapy dogs are needed.

“Tommy was tested in basic obedience commands, ability to accept a stranger petting, comfort around medical equipment and distraction from loud noises,” said Baloh. “He passed with flying colors.”

Tommy began his therapeutic career volunteering at the New Adventure Learning Center and the Mount Pleasant Library Wagging Tails reading program.

In August of last year, Baloh began a pilot program for Animal Assisted Therapy at MVH. She first introduced Tommy to the Rehabilitation and Orthopedic units where he spent most of his volunteering time getting acquainted with the environment, patients and staff members.

“At first Tommy seemed a bit scared in the hospital but he now walks down the halls with confidence...on his way to making someone’s life a little brighter,” said Baloh.


	New Adventure Learning Center student Maggie Cooper, 5, of Charleroi, shows her affection for Tommy, the first MVH Animal Assisted Therapy canine.

MVH administration noticed the positive energy Tommy brought to the hospital and decided to accept him as an addition to the healing process for patients, families and staff members.

“I’m grateful I was given the opportunity to provide a Animal Assisted Therapy program at MVH,” said Baloh. “As a social worker, I can see the benefits the program has to offer.”

Research supports what many people already know – owning a pet makes a person feel better. Several studies have measured the beneficial effects animals can have on people. Animal Assisted Therapy has proven to lower patient’s blood pressure, improve heart and lung function, decrease anxiety, depression and loneliness. Studies have also proven that when animals visit a care facility there is more laughter and interaction among residents.

While the results of animal-assisted therapy are finding its way in medical literature, Tommy continues to connect with people in a way Baloh says is extraordinary.

“You watch the patient pet the dog and eventually they start talking to you,” said Baloh. “Dogs help people open up.”

An animal’s presence can serve to brighten the atmosphere and encourage socialization, amusement and laughter among patients. Former MVH patient, Tina Kennedy, would be the first to testify these results to be accurate.

“I don’t dare show you to my kitty cat, Peppy,” said Kennedy. “I tell all the girls about you.”

Tommy and Kennedy’s close relationship was so rare even Baloh was taken back from it. It was amazing to see the connection that they both shared, Baloh said.

Pet Therapy animals provide positive interactions that bring unconditional love from an animal to a patient. Baloh and Tommy have introduced a fun and pain-free therapy service to MVH that not only benefits patients, but also Tommy and Baloh.

“This program is so rewarding. Once you start, you are hooked,” says Baloh.