Florida Hospital System (see more articles like this)

Hans isn’t your typical caregiver.  This disabled dachshund isn’t letting his doggy wheelchair get in the way of visiting patients at Florida Hospital Oceanside.  That’s right - this four-legged pooch has to scoot around on a pint-sized wheelchair made just for him - complete with his own personalized license plate. 

Twice a week, Hans’ owner, who is also a case manager, brings her therapy dog to the Peninsula Rehabilitation Center at Florida Hospital Oceanside.  Medical studies have proven that therapy pets, like Hans, help patients improve their range of motion, strength, endurance, balance, mobility, sensation, and more.  But all it takes is one look at the smile on a patient’s face when Hans enters the room, to see the positive effects of pet therapy.

“Hans is an inspiration,” said Mimi Wildridge, a patient at the Peninsula Rehab Center at Florida Hospital Oceanside.  “If he can get around the hospital in his condition, it certainly gives me that extra push to get better,” said Wildridge, who is recovering from a stroke.  

For more information or to receive a tape, please call Florida Hospital Media Relations at (407) 303-8217.