GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — A wagging tail and a soft nuzzle from a four-legged therapist can make a big difference. Their handlers show how a simple visit can turn someone’s whole day around.
Therapy dogs are regular visitors to Lakeview Nursing Center in Gulfport.
“I just like to pet them,” said Lakeview resident John Hynes. “I like the energy they bring. They’re always so happy, joyful, and it makes me feel happier.”
Michael Bowin leads Visiting Pet Teams of South Mississippi. He organizes visits to nursing homes, hospitals and children’s groups. He started volunteering 16 years ago.
“I’ve seen people in severe emotional distress that the dog comes in and it’s almost immediately like turning a switch,” said Bowin. “You can almost see the negative energy leaving.”
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Bowin’s dog Doc is a favorite visitor, and his name comes with a story.
“With a name like Doc, he had to be a corpsman,” explained Bowin. “I’m retired Navy, so I listed him as an HM1, which is a hospital corpsman, first class. While visiting the VA, they got a kick out of it and said, ‘When’s he going to make chief?’ I said when he gets a couple of good tours under his belt, and he’s had a number of them. So, a few years ago, we went ahead and advanced him to chief.”
Doc has plenty of other furry friends joining him on those visits. Stella is Jamie Hobbs’ companion.
“Everybody knows Stella,” said Hobbs. “They don’t know me. This dog just loves it.”
Hobbs has a unique insight into the benefits of pet therapy. She was a nurse for more than four decades.
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“It lowers your blood pressure, decreases your anxiety, and it does so many good things for people.”
About 30 volunteers like Bowin and Hobbs make their way across the Coast spreading cheer. Their schedules stay busy, and the miles on the road and volunteer hours add up fast every year.
“The numbers always amaze me because the mileage for my people are always in the thousands,” said Bowin.
The benefits are plain to see for those petting the animals, but the volunteers walk away with a feeling of satisfaction, too.
“This is a rewarding job, and I plan to do it until the day I die,” said Hobbs. “It’s been something that lifts my spirits and makes me feel like I’m making a difference.”
Visiting Pet Teams of South Mississippi is always looking for new members. For more information, visit their website.
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