Pets used to help lift spirits of cancer patients

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Battling cancer can take a toll on both the body and the mind. That's why many medical centers enlist the help of pets to lift patients' spirits.

At Penn's Roberts Proton Therapy Center one afternoon last week, the pet therapist was in!

Cali, a 2-year-old Labradoodle and owner, Kim Vernick, were ready and willing to greet patients.

Two years ago, Kim was a patient herself, finishing treatment for her second bout of pancreatic cancer.

Kim's daughter and son-in-law originally got Cali as their dog, but she was Kim's frequent companion during her recovery.

"I'm on doggie daycare, I call it, so Cali and I bonded," Kim said. "She was loving, she was cuddling."

Kim saw what Cali did for her spirits, so she and her family decided to get her certified as a pet therapy dog and volunteer at the Roberts Center.

"I remember how stressful it is here, and how uncertain it is when you're in here," Kim said.

In just a few weeks, they've had quite an impact. Cali is a natural with children and she opens communications with adults, too.

"Cali's an icebreaker, you know. They'll pet her," Kim said. "And then maybe I'll say to them 'You know, I was here two years ago.''

"I think patients say 'You know what? When I'm through this, I can actually get back to real life, and a normal life,' which is really important," said Dr. James Metz.

Even staffers - who deal with cancer day in & day out - need the emotional lift Cali can provide.

"A lot of times, it's the simplest things that really make a difference," said Dr. Metz.

Kim says seeing the smiles Cali brings, and being able to give back to those who treated her, gives her a big boost.

She is now cancer free after participating in a clinical trial.

CLICK HERE for more from EmergingMed.com about that trial