Emotional Support Dogs Boost Recovery at Bogota's Central Military Hospital
At the Central Military Hospital near me, an innovative program is using emotional support dogs to aid the recovery of soldiers wounded in combat. The initiative, launched in April 2024 following a visit from an animal care organization, has seen an increase in patients seeking comfort from the canine companions.
The program initially started with three dogs - Kratos, Rafa, and Lupa - each donated by different branches of the military. Kratos was gifted by the Air Force, Rafa by the Army, and two more dogs were donated by the hospital's doctors. These dogs provide psychological support and ease recovery for soldiers facing physical and emotional scars, including amputations and injuries from explosives.
The dogs' visits have been shown to benefit patient recovery and reduce depression. For soldier Luis Miguel López, the presence of the dogs helped break through his depression after losing part of his leg to a mine. The experience reminded López of Goma, an anti-explosives dog who saved his unit several times before being killed by a blast. Inspired by this, the program now allows patients to bring their own dogs and provides wellness breaks for staff.
The increase in incidents involving explosive devices in Colombia, which rose 94% between January and July 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, has led to an increase in patients injured by explosives launched by drones at the hospital.
The emotional support dog program at the Central Military Hospital near me is making a significant impact on the recovery and mental health of wounded soldiers. By allowing patients to bring their own dogs and providing wellness breaks for staff, the program is expanding its reach and benefiting more individuals in need.
