SARASOTA (WSNN) – Doctors Hospital of Sarasota is helping make a “Ruff” day turn into a “Pawsitive” one. They offer a lunch break with some special guests for their healthcare workers.
Nurses and healthcare workers working with COVID patients at Doctors Hospital say they’re working 12 hour-shifts.
“It’ just been a lot for everybody emotionally. I think even physically,” ICU registered nurse, Rachel Harc said. “You know, most emotionally and mentally for. I don’t think people understand it, until they’re in it.”
This is why Doctors Hospital created an event to help bring smiles to their faces, under masks of course. And who doesn’t love some puppy love?
“The events like this today is a stress reliever for us,” Lead PCU in COVID Unit, Marcellous Herns, said. “For us to be able to come outside, get some fresh air, take our mind off – we’re still focused on COVID and our patients, but take a quick little break to come out and just decompress to go back in and provide better care.”
Southeastern Guide Dogs, trains dogs to help veterans and the visually impaired. They brought six dogs to the event.
“I mean look at us, we’re all happy, we’re all out here like a bunch of giddy school girls,” Harc said. “It’s a reprieve to come out of something so serious to something so fun.”
Not only is it good TLC for the hospital staff, but it’s also good Tender Love and Care for the guide dogs too.
“For five months, he’s missed all of his therapy sessions, all of his schools, hospitals all of the things he does, so he’s happy to be out today,” Southeastern Guide Dogs Volunteer, Cathy Mithaug, said.
Volunteer, Bob Minthorn, says it’s more than just coming to a fun event.
“It”s a way to say thank you so much to these wonderful healthcare people that have been going 24/7 for weeks and weeks and weeks now, trying to keep us safe and alive.”
“We’re all in this together, everyone stay safe, and do their part,” Herns said.
It’s a good day when you can play with some puppies.