My hospital brought in a therapy dog for our ED team after a critical incident stress debriefing (CISD). I had never received dog therapy before. The big eyes and loving licks on our hands honestly helped.

Perhaps what really helped was our own recognition that the nature of our job qualifies us for dog therapy.

An asystolic 7-week-old dark-eyed boy failed to respond to multiple doses of epinephrine, causing several nurses to cry, especially those with young children.

We regarded the need for therapy in each other’s gaze as we smiled and hugged our Golden Retriever friend.

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