Pet Therapy to Cheer Up Kids

A children's hospital in the Tennessee state launches a new pet therapy to cheer up kids.

The eight-year-old dog visited the Le Bonheur Children's hospital in Memphis, and paid a visit to six-year-old patient Alex Gosa, the Daily Mail reported.

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The boy, who lost a toe in an accident recently, stroked the golden retriever as part of "doctor's orders".

The treatment, more commonly known as AAT - animal-assisted therapy - has been used to treat patients with mental and physical health problems since the late 18th century.

A 2010 study published in the US Early Childhood Education Journal showed that children in particular benefit from AAT.

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Staff at the hospital said pet therapy has resulted in a better outcome for patients.

The programme has been going on for two weeks and it is the first time animals have been allowed in the intensive care unit.

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Hospital spokesperson Sara Burnett said both patients and staff have benefitted.

"We all stop and pet them. Grandparents do. Physicians do. Family members and siblings. I think there is something disarming about seeing a dog in a hospital. It makes you stop your 'busyness' - to take a minute and pet a dog," she said.