Snuggle up to compassionate care

We read about using stuffed animals for postoperative patients in a previous edition of Veterinary Economics, but we've taken it a step further. We take pictures of post-op or hospitalized patients snuggling up against stuffed animals and have all the staff members sign the photos. We use phrases such as "Get well soon, Jamie" and "Glad we could make you feel better, Max." We give the photos to the owners right after checkout, and they love it. We also send the stuffed animals home with the patients, and clients tell us that they quickly become their pets' favorite toys. The photos and stuffed animals show clients that we not only provide good medical care but also compassionate care. Plus, the stuffed animals seem to help our patients recover more quickly by keeping their anxiety levels down during their hospital stay.

—Dr. Kaija Platacis, Best Friends Animal

Healthcare and Laser Center; Columbus, Ind.