Northwest

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With soft eyes, furry ears, therapy dogs at hospitals reassure patients, families

Overlake Medical Center patient Kathy Barnes talks with Karen Keenan and her therapy dog Viansa, a six-year-old yellow lab, in her hospital room in Bellevue, Wash. Tuesday, June 6, 2017. Keenan said hospital patients often feel happiness and relief during Viansa’s visits, and remember fond memories of pets.

Several hospitals in the region, including Overlake, Children’s and Swedish, use therapy dogs. The animals listen attentively as children read to them, lay a head on the shoulder of the infirm and ease the tension in a room full of anxious family.  VIEW

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