It is commonly known that when people have disease or feel ill, they will have pills or go to see a doctor in the hospital. They are accustomed to seeing a human doctor. However, have you tried seeing a doctor that is not a human being?
Many hospitals employ therapy dogs to comfort and inspire patients. Peyo is a 15-year-old horse who used to compete professionally with his trainer Hassen Bouchakour. Now, he's comforting patients and family members alike.
The staff in the French hospital always call him "Doctor". His trainer Hassen Bouchakour says that even at competitions, Peyo seemed to seek out contact specifically with those struggling physically or mentally. After a few years of research, vets believe Peyo's brain functions in a unique sympathy-rich way.
In the hospital, Peyo goes from door to door in the care center. He has been highly effective for reducing patients' stress and relieving anxiety for their family members as well. According to doctors, they knew how beneficial Peyo's presence was by observation.
Peyo has stayed with many patients right until the end of their lives. One patient, Daniel, was a former athlete. When he passed away this year, his family requested that the horse accompany his coffin to the funeral.
Animals are born with power to comfort us. Perhaps this uplifting story of animal companionship will encourage more medical facilities to look into the healing benefits of animals.
A. Even during the most difficult times, they may help.
B. A scientific research finds that dogs are capable of that.
C. If possible, hospitals can employ more therapy animals.
D. He gradually developed a very close connection with Peyo.
E. Peyo seems specially gifted for detecting the sick or injured.
F. However, in a French hospital, a different animal wanders in the halls.
G. They noticed patients interacting with him more required fewer strong drugs.
