Facility Dog Banjo
5 Years of Service at Calvary
In 2018 the Calvary family welcomed Banjo, a certified facility dog from Canine Companions for Independence to the staff and family at our Bronx Campus.
Over the past 5 years, Banjo has played a vital role in supporting our mission and providing invaluable assistance to patients and their loved ones facing life-limiting illnesses.
Banjo, our certified facility dog, has undergone specialized training in evidence-based animal-assisted therapy, which is widely recognized for its benefits in the context of hospice and palliative care.
Animal therapy has a profound impact on individuals facing life-limiting illness.
Banjo’s presence at Calvary demonstrates the power of the human-animal bond in promoting emotional well-being and overall quality of life. Patients who interact with Banjo often experience reduced stress, increased comfort, and improved mood.
Banjo, under the dedicated care of Shannon McCourt, LCSW Family Care Practitioner, serves as a comfort and calming presence to patients and their families.
In the course of Banjo’s daily routine, he rounds the floors meeting with patients and attends recreational activities, he actively engages with patients and their loved ones, providing support and a safe outlet for emotional expression.
“During difficult conversations, Banjo’s calming and soothing demeanor has proven invaluable to the Calvary team. Who often call him in during difficult discussions. His very presence is a comfort to us all easing distress and helping to advance the very mission of our care.” says Shannon McCourt.
Animal Therapy Extends Beyond Emotional Support
Numerous studies have highlighted the physiological benefits that can arise from interacting with therapy animals. Simply petting and spending time with trained animals like Banjo is known to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety levels, and release endorphins, the body’s natural ‘feel-good’ hormones. These positive effects contribute to an improved sense of well-being and enhanced coping mechanisms for patients navigating the challenges of life-limiting illnesses.
Honored with Prestigious K-9 Courage Award
Recognizing the immense value Banjo brings to Calvary’s mission, our patients, families, and staff, Banjo was recognized by Zoetis PetCare with a prestigious K-9 Courage Award recognizing his contribution to Calvary and the people we care for at our 35th Annual Gala in 2018.
Banjo’s remarkable dedication and service underscore the transformative impact that animal therapy can have in the lives of individuals facing difficult circumstances.
With his tail wagging and a joyful spring in his step, Banjo brings a unique healing medicine to our patients, their families, and our staff.
At Calvary, we are grateful for Banjo’s unwavering dedication to our mission. We remain committed to integrating the power of animal-assisted therapy into our comprehensive approach to compassionate end-of-life care.
Categories
Archives
- August 2024
- July 2024
- May 2024
- April 2024
- March 2024
- February 2024
- December 2023
- November 2023
- October 2023
- August 2023
- July 2023
- June 2023
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- October 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- August 2019
- July 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- July 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- April 2012