BERRIEN CENTER — The newest members of the team at Lakeland Specialty Hospital, Berrien Center, may not be licensed nurses or physical therapists, but they will play an important role in helping the residents there live life to the fullest.

The Petz Carlton at Harbor Shores recently introduced the Petszercize animal-assisted therapy program at Lakeland Specialty Hospital, Berrien Center. The program utilizes specially trained and certified therapy dogs and is run entirely by volunteers, led by Helen Fasano, owner of the Petz Carlton at Harbor Shores, and Marcia Fettig. Volunteer dog handlers and the hospital’s rehabilitation staff tailor canine therapy sessions to each patient’s individual therapy goals, such as improving motor or speech skills.

“The interaction with the dogs will be a great addition to traditional therapy for many of our patients,” Laura Wohler, RN, Patient Care Manager, Lakeland Specialty Hospital, Berrien Center.  “We’re very excited about seeing the impact Petszercize has on our residents.”

Depending on the patient’s condition, therapeutic activities can include brushing the dog, walking with the dog, or communicating commands to the dog. Activities will utilize small, repetitive movements at a pace appropriate for each patient. Therapy sessions will last from 15 to 20 minutes long, held weekly over a four-week period.

“It’s amazing to see how much patients look forward to seeing the dogs and how much progress they make,” said Helen Fasano of Petszercize. “That’s our sole mission — to help people feel better.”

For more information on Lakeland HealthCare, visit www.lakelandhealth.org. To learn more about Petszercize and other services available at the Petz Carlton at Harbor Shores, call (269) 934-7389.