Recognizing the healing benefits of animals, Verde Valley Medical Center’s (VVMC) Paws for Patients program offers patients special visits with therapy dogs. All therapy dogs are registered by the Delta Society and must pass an aptitude and skills test to be registered and licensed.

VVMC is hosting 30-minute team evaluations from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, June 4 in Conference Room A, 269 Candy Lane. The team evaluation involves observing the animal/handler team in a simulated hospital setting. Teams are scored on how well the handler interprets and manages the animal's behavior, how well the animal responds to the handler, and how well the team relates to patients.

Therapy dogs provide a general feeling of well-being, unconditional affection and interactions with individuals who may experience anxiety, depression or stress in the hospital setting. Currently, there are several openings for these specially trained dogs at VVMC. Evaluations are conducted by Dee Chadwick, Delta-licensed team evaluator and instructor. 

To schedule an evaluation or for more information, contact Dee Chadwick at 928 284-5757 or by e-mail at chadee8@gmail.com. To learn more about programs and services offered at Verde Valley Medical Center, visit VerdeValleyMedicalCenter.com or call 928 634-2251.