SAN DIEGO – Two of Naval Medical Center San Diego’s (NMCSD) facility dogs and their handlers met with Sailors and passersby to offer pets and pose for photos Dec. 23.
The event was coordinated by NMCSD’s Resiliency Team (REST) and the K-9 Therapy Unit to boost morale during the holiday season.
“REST is a collaboration from the Chaplain Corps, the Health and Wellness Department, the Directorate of Mental Health and the Fleet and Family Services, as well as many others, to enhance the resiliency of our staff and patients at NMCSD,” said Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 1st Class John Rodil, a Sailor assigned to NMCSD and member of REST. “The therapy dogs have become an important part of our team, and they bring a lot of stress relief wherever they go.”
Two dogs, LC and Cork, dutifully sat in front of the command’s holiday tree as people pet them and took photos.
Kim Elliott, a recreation therapist assigned to NMCSD’s Health and Wellness Department, owns Cork.
“To certify Cork, we had to complete a public access test, which evaluates the dog’s obedience and manners, as well as a temperament test,” said Elliott. “There are also annual certifications for them to be classified as a facility dog.”
Prior to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the K-9 Therapy Unit would’ve scheduled approximately 15 appointments per week, which consisted of meet-and-greets with patients and therapy dogs.
NMCSD’s mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high quality healthcare services and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research. NMCSD employs more than 6,000 active duty military personnel, civilians and contractors in Southern California to provide patients with world-class care anytime, anywhere.
Visit navy.mil or facebook.com/NMCSD for more information.
Date Taken: | 12.23.2020 |
Date Posted: | 12.23.2020 16:40 |
Story ID: | 385747 |
Location: | SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
Web Views: | 151 |
Downloads: | 1 |
This work, NMCSD’s Facility Dogs Bring Holiday Cheer, by PO2 Jacob L. Greenberg, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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