BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – UAB’s Spain Rehabilitation Center has a new colleague walking the halls…Topgun is a two-year-old golden retriever and UAB’s first facility dog.
“Our patients and employees love to see Topgun,” said Emily Rider, a recreational therapist at UAB and facility dog handler. “Everyone just flocks to him naturally and really enjoys working with him. It is really cool to be able to watch him make these special connections with our patients and staff that are just unique to having a facility dog.”
Topgun works with patients who are recovering from stroke, spinal cord or brain injuries achieve their functional goals, such as improving their balance, stamina, ability to walk and overall motivation.
“Topgun is a huge motivator,” Rider said. “He encourages patients to walk farther, stand longer, lift more or whatever else they are trying to work on. He can challenge our patients in ways that therapists cannot. For example, he may cut in front of a patient while they are walking in order to work on dynamic balance. He can play fetch to help patients work on standing and coordination. Or he can just be the calm or goofy comedic relief that patients may need to get through their session that day. He is good at engaging with patients and knowing what they need in any given moment.”
Studies show that use of a facility dog can decrease a patient’s heart rate and blood pressure while boosting endorphins and morale.
Topgun was raised by volunteer puppy raisers for the first year of his life, then attended professional training at Canine Companions where he was trained in more than 45 specialized cues to help patients reach their rehab goals.
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