Service Dog in Training Serves as Stress Reliever for ER Doctors

• Wynn is a regular visitor at the hospital and gives cuddles to hospital staff.
• The dog is stationed at an office where meditation music is playing and the lights are dimmed.
• Dogs like him are trained to provide assistance to children, adults, and veterans with disabilities.

The frontliners are undeniably the biggest heroes that we have right now. During these times, they need and deserve all the joy and comfort that they can get and an adorable 1-year-old labrador is just eager to give them that.

Wynn is being trained for the non-profit Canine Companions for Independence. He shows up to give cuddles at Rose Medical Center in Denver, Colorado where he is being showered with love by the medical staff on the frontlines.

Bringing joy to the stressed workers at the hospital.

Susan Ryan, an emergency physician at the hospital, is the one who trains Wynn.

“Seeing stuff and hearing stuff that you can’t unsee has an impact on you. That’s where the dogs come in. When you are in the presence of the dog and petting them, you are taking a moment to ground yourself at that present time,” she said.

Ryan started training Wynn since the dog was eight weeks old. She takes the puppy to the hospital frequently and his visits are “the brightest part of our day,” according to the doctor.

Now Wynn’s main duty is to bring puppy love to the staff, who definitely need it to relieve their stress.

The dog usually stays in the social workers office, where meditation music is playing and the lights are dimmed.

Of course, everyone who comes in contact with the cute lab washes their hands thoroughly before touching her.

Wynn with Ryan, who is wearing a face shield and mask.

Ryan will be taking care of Wynn until the dog becomes 18 to 22 months old. Afterwards, he will advance to a professional training program at a training center.

Canine Companions for Independence is a non-profit organization that provides assistance dogs to children, adults, and veterans with disabilities. The group does this free of charge. Their website provides a daily live stream showing adorable puppies in action.