Spring 2009

The Dogs Will See You Now

Pet Therapy Works at this St. Anthony's Physician Office

Truman spreads a little love and affection to patient Karen Pacey. “When I come in and am really sick, they make me forget how sick I am.”

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A wag of a tail and a friendly paw greet patients in the office of Bartolome Kairuz, MD, and Jaime Santos, MD. The family practitioners at St. Anthony’s have three canine helpers that work the waiting room daily, spreading smiles and easing stress. “Talking about the dogs helps break the ice with new patients and makes them feel more comfortable talking to me,” says Dr. Santos. “Our patients love them.”

Bartolome Kairuz, MD, with Jett

With two trained as official therapy dogs through CHAMP (Canine Helpers Allow More Possibilities), Jett, Chase and puppy Truman help to combat “whitecoat syndrome,” whereby a person’s blood pressure registers higher in a doctor’s office than anywhere else. Research indicates as many as 20 percent of all patients experience this syndrome. Office manager Bonnie Edmonds is in charge of the dogs’ training. “Most people just see them and a certain peacefulness comes over them,” she says.

“Dogs lift our patients’ spirits,” adds Dr. Kairuz. “Some physicians have fish in their waiting areas to calm patients; but you can’t play with fish. Dogs have healing power — I’ve seen it.”

See KDSK Cover Story Featuring Doc Dogs.

For information, please call our Health Access Line at 314-ANTHONY (268-4669) or 800-554-9550 or visit our find a physician online.

At St. Anthony's, our vision is to be the area's premier health care organization — and your first choice for health care services.

Online issues:

Spring 2009

Family Medicine

Internal Medicine

Specialists