New medical training room helping dogs in Decatur
Share this @internewscast.com

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — A new medical training room is opening in Decatur — but it’s not for doctors, nurses, or surgeons.

Pawprint Ministries operates 45 comfort dog teams in Central Illinois, providing support in hospitals and cancer care centers. Now, all of the dogs can be trained to assist people in real-life hospital environments.

“We subject our dogs to numerous scenarios during training so that when they are deployed for service, they are prepared and ready,” Jennifer Dahn, founder and executive director of Pawprint Ministries, stated.

Pawprint Ministries is a local comfort dog organization that has served Central Illinois since 2014.

“Our dogs go out into hospitals, nursing homes, cancer care centers, schools, disasters, libraries, anywhere we’re called to serve,” Dahn said.

This requires specific and strict training.

“We noticed that we were needing a location to train our canines around medical equipment,” Dahn said.

They consequently established a hospital training simulation lab. This setup helps dogs get accustomed to hospital beds, beeping noises, and wheelchairs within a hospital room.

“It helps them learn how to navigate the IV tubing and help with proper paw placement. Our dogs have a ‘paws up’ command,” Dahn said.

A volunteer at Pawprint said that while the dogs see a lot of people’s best days, they often are there for their worst.

“It’s challenging for the dogs. They encounter a lot of different situations. It’s astounding the number of scenarios you train for that you don’t anticipate being an issue,” Libby Cross, a volunteer at Pawprint Ministries, remarked.

Preparing the dogs is no simple task, but the new training room gives them the tools they need to do it right.

“It takes a lot of concentration and patience and just a lot of repetition to get them to the place they need to be to serve,” Cross said.

Both Cross and Dahn are overjoyed about the new training space because they see first-hand the joy their dogs bring.

“Our dogs walk in with unconditional love and they’re just ready to give a hug. And when the world is crumbling, that’s what you need,” Dahn said.

Pawprint Ministries is volunteer based, and they pay for each owner and their dog to be trained.

It takes about two years to train a dog and costs $5,000.

Pawprint Ministries is organizing a tailgate parking lot fundraiser at their business on September 20 at 11 a.m. The event will have food, games, an auction, and plenty of dogs.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Columbia County Arrest Sparks Urgent Action Against Human Sex Trafficking in the CSRA

AUGUSTA, Ga. – An Augusta woman finds herself behind bars following serious…

Bail Determined for Suspect in Johnson City Waffle House Shooting Incident

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The individual accused of firing multiple shots…

Rising Concerns: Gulfport Residents Rally Against Beach Car Camping Surge

GULFPORT, Fla. (WFLA) — Residents of Gulfport are raising concerns over individuals…

Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Snub Finalized: NFL Confirms No Reconsideration

NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL remains steadfast in its decision to…

FBI Cracks Down on Violent Wisconsin Gang: Multiple Arrests and Major Drug Seizure

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a comprehensive investigation spanning several years has culminated in…

Texas Governor Mobilizes State Guard to Tackle Homeless Camp Cleanup

In a recent announcement from Austin, Texas Governor Greg Abbott revealed that…

Purses Filled With Passion: Empowering Homeless Women Through Compassionate Support

AUGUSTA, Ga. – A heartwarming collaboration has emerged in Augusta, as the…

Celebrating 15 Years: Illini Service Dogs Continue to Transform Lives

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — A unique group at the University of Illinois…

Tampa City Council Set to Decide on Crucial ‘Early Works’ Phase for SoHo Flood Mitigation Project

In Tampa, Florida, the City Council is poised to decide on a…

Grainger County Resident Faces $57,000 Repayment Following Social Security Overpayment Ruling

In Grainger County, Tennessee, a woman with disabilities has been hit with…

Honoring a Legacy: Danville Soccer Pays Tribute to Beloved Athletic Director Gary Gritton

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – While a regional semifinal win might not be…

Tune In at 9:30 p.m.: Florida’s Coast Set for Spectacular SpaceX Rocket Launch

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – On Wednesday, SpaceX is set to embark on…