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Sep 25, 2007 6:30 pm US/Pacific
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Pet Therapy May Be The Help Kids Need
by Diana Penna
(CBS13)
You might not believe a fluffy bunny named Brayzel, Bootsie the cat, or Boomer the puppy all have the power to heal.
"I got in a diving accident when I was 12-years-old," said Rachael Wilson, spinal cord injury patient.
For patients like Wilson, her animal has changed her life.
"It gives you more freedom. It definitely makes you feel like you don't have to rely on someone else," said Wilson.
Rachael comes from Eureka to Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and sometimes for months at a time do to therapy or surgeries. Like the other patients she enjoys the volunteers who bring furry friends for pet therapy.
"It's good for families. There's a lot of stress going on when a child in a severe accident and is hospitalized,' said Kathy Montgomery, volunteer.
Montgomery has been coming to Shriners since the hospital opened in Sacramento 10-years-ago. The staff and patients alike benefit from the animals who always make everyone smile.
For patients like 15 year old Auston Lee, wheelchair bound after being hit by a truck, it reminds them of their animals at home.
"He's having a good time. Taking a break," said Montgomery.
The animals love their job too.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)