INDIANAPOLIS — In appreciation of a generous $1 million gift, Eskenazi Health Foundation recently announced the naming of the Robert & Gina Laikin Pet Therapy Program at Eskenazi Health.
The Robert & Gina Laikin Pet Therapy Program at Eskenazi Health uses therapy dogs who have been trained and evaluated to bring comfort to patients, staff and visitors at the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital. Nurses can arrange visits for patients who they feel could benefit from interaction with a dog. Patients can hold or pet the dogs, and the dogs are also able to lie on the bed with patients. The therapy dogs can also accompany patients at outpatient appointments or act as part of the rehabilitation process.
Robert and Gina Laikin are long-time supporters of Eskenazi Health, with Bob having served as vice chair of the Eskenazi Health Foundation Board of Directors and the couple supporting many different areas within the health system.
The Robert & Gina Laikin Pet Therapy Program at Eskenazi Health currently has 24 therapy dogs on staff. On any given day, pet therapy dogs will be seen in different areas within the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital visiting with patients, taking a moment to receive a pet from staff or greeting visitors. Patients admitted to the hospital can request a visit from a therapy dog at any point during their stay.
Patients can also visit with therapy dogs at The Lisa K. Humke Canine Therapy Garden at Eskenazi Health, an outdoor area which encourages holistic healing and simultaneously increases therapeutic animal and human interaction. Physical, occupational and speech therapists utilize the space while including the therapy dogs in their patients’ health goals. Chronic and palliative care patients can even reconnect and visit with their own pets in the Ruby’s Pet Family Visitation Area.