Shriners Children's Erie Recognizes its Therapy Dogs

Shriners Children's Erie held a special event Monday to feature its partnership with Therapy Dogs United in celebration of National Dog Month.

Representatives took the opportunity to recognize and reward the contributions of its therapy dogs by gifting an official Shriners Children's Erie badge and a goodie box full of treats.

Therapy dogs help to reduce stress and anxiety for patients and families.

The therapy dog program at Shriners Children's Erie was organized by child life specialist Kristin Maguire in November.

She said they are the perfect distraction to help make medical appointments more comfortable and less scary.

"There's interesting things that happen when kids have therapy sessions or any kind of procedure that we do here," said Maguire. "The dogs change the vibe in the room and children can relax. It's a nice, welcoming distraction for them. It helps. That helps everything."