Coco the therapy dog – just what the doctor ordered

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Multiple studies have proven that dogs reduce stress, anxiety and depression in medical patients. Coco the Golden retriever mix and her handler, or "dad," Rodd Garcia prove that with the work they do at Del Sol Medical Center. The two of them are regular volunteers, and for the past 7 years have made their rounds to patients and staff alike, leaving smiles everywhere they go.

"It's very rewarding to see the faces of poeple in the hospital who haven't seen their dogs for a long time at home and they just melt," Garcia says.

He laughingly admits there was a time he didn't know what a therapy dog was. He was approached by a man representing "Paws 4 Love" at a dog park.

"I said what does that involve?  Massaging animals or something? After we had a good laugh he explained," Garcia recalls. Now, he and Coco are a dependable duo, doing important work: from helping a nonverbal patient speak their first words, to providing comfort during end of life care.

"They can forget about their woes or what they have going on just for a while," Garcia says. Before adopting Coco, Garcia had another therapy dog named Duke, who was also popular. When Coco came along, he says they 'saved each other.' Coco needed a lot of special care when she was adopted, and he believes in fate. Now, it's her turn to give back...and she does so with all her heart and wagging tail. In fact, a wagging tail and her soft fur coat give caregivers at the hospital some respite, as well. People of all ages pause and smile as she walks by, and many pet her and get their minds off of more heavy matters, at least for a moment.

Rodd says Paws 4 Love is always looking for more therapy dogs and handlers. For more information, go to paws4love.com.Rodd says Paws 4 Love is always looking for more therapy dogs and handlers. For more information, email paws4lovetherapypets@hotmail.com