INDIANAPOLIS — A local Indy hospital was gifted $1 million to begin a new pet therapy program.
The Eskenazi Health Foundation announced the creation of the new program named the "Robert and Gina Laikin Pet Therapy Program at Eskenazi Health."
The initiative will use trained therapy dogs to bring comfort to patients, staff and visitors at the hospital.
Nurses will be able to arrange the visits for patients they feel could benefit from the dog, and will allow them to get on the beds with patients.
“The animals of the Robert & Gina Laikin Pet Therapy Program at Eskenazi Health provide a unique benefit to the patients, staff and visitors of Eskenazi Health,” said Ernie Vargo, president and CEO of Eskenazi Health Foundation. “This gift from Robert and Gina Laikin will help this program and its services expand to make its reach even greater. We are incredibly thankful for their generous support.”
The program currently has 24 dogs on staff, and patients admitted to the hospital can request a visit from them at any point during their stay.
“We know firsthand the importance pets play in our lives and are great supporters of animal-related causes,” Bob Laikin said. “We also strongly believe in the mission of Eskenazi Health and have seen its great impact in our city. We are delighted to support its pet therapy services.”
For more information on the Robert & Gina Laikin Pet Therapy Program at Eskenazi Health, click here.
