Facility dog Travis, a blonde Labrador who works with patients in outpatient rehabilitation, is retiring after 5-and-half years of service. He acts as an exercise partner to those involved in physical therapy while also providing comfort and care to those who need it most.
While on the clock, Travis works to assist the therapists in performing exercises with patients to increase their strength, range of motion and function. The patients often don’t even realize they are exercising because they are enjoying time with Travis.
When he’s not with the physical therapy team, Travis works with occupational therapy patients on fine hand motor skills, reaching and functional activities of daily living. Some of the exercises include laying pieces of food on him and picking them up, throwing balls for Travis to retrieve and simply having the patients brush him.
Travis’ biggest asset is his ability to comfort patients in pain. The outpatient rehabilitation department treats a variety of patients, some who are there for cancer rehab, just having surgery or general orthopedic dysfunctions. Cuddling with Travis can take their mind off the apprehension of therapy. He will be very missed by his patients and the staff.
Travis works with Paws with Purpose, a non-profit organization that provides highly skilled assistance dogs. If you would like to donate to support the facility dogs program at UofL Health, click here.
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