The Healing Power of Paws

At Smart Patients, we understand that caregiving comes in many forms, from dealing with a health issue , a son or daughter driving you to appointments; a friend picking up your prescriptions; or a spouse dealing with your medical bills. In a recent conversation on Smart Patients, another important type of caregiving came up. One that involves lap sitting, licking and occasionally leaves you covered in fur.

A conversation about treatment options for kidney cancer took an interesting detour when a member mentioned how much comfort he received from the dog that was sitting in his lap while he typed. And the dog posts kept coming.

Reading the SP postings, my little dog sits here at my chair…. he doesn’t know how often his jokes and endless love helped us through bad hours.

- A Smart Patient

Our members shared touching anecdotes about how their dogs brought laughter in tough times, offered companionship in loneliness, and even provided much-needed exercise through daily walks. Their sensitivity to human emotions was evident, as one member noted their dog’s sadness sensing the family’s mood post-hospitalization.

Gotta love those cute doggies. They do bring joy and happiness to our lives in times like this.

- A Smart Patient

The conversation was a beautiful reminder of the therapeutic impact that pets have on our lives. As one member aptly said, "The dog pictures put a smile on my face." Another chimed in, appreciating the "peek into the better parts" of each other's lives. This exchange was not just about sharing pet photos; it was a celebration of the unique comfort and joy these furry companions bring to our healthcare journey.