Pet Therapy

The pet therapy program was initiated at Wishard Health Services in November 2002. As a permanent member of the staff, Tarma, the dog, participates in group therapy sessions with patients. In therapy, a number of games are played to help the patients in their recovery. Patients play catch with the dogs to increase their range of motion. They play tug of war or hide and seek to increase strength and mobility, and they groom the pets to increase their fine motor skills.