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There were some helping paws waiting in the parking lot of Bonner General Health as a steady stream of people stopped by the Better Together Animal Alliance tent last Tuesday for an opportunity to pet dogs, sip coffee, and relax for a few moments.

“It’s been quite some time since we’ve been able to go do something like that and I think it brought us all so much joy to be able to give back – even if it’s just a little – for all of the work and hardship these folks have been dealing with,” said Andrea Nagel, BTAA director of storytelling and partnerships.

According to Nagel, the most excitement and enthusiasm about the furballs came from Bonner General staff as they came over to give a snuggle, scritch of the ears or offer a bit of love.

“In all, it was a successful event and everyone seemed excited and grateful to have us there.” Nagel said.

A few different groups also contributed to the event, including other healthcare workers, Nagel said. In addition, to BTAA staff bringing their pups to the hospital to spread some love, there was free coffee was provided by Evan’s Brothers Coffee and doughnuts provided by BTAA. Some staff members brought their own dogs to add to the mood-boosting atmosphere.

Nagel cited studies supporting the claim that interactions with animals benefit humans as to one of the reasons why the group — and their pups — decided to visit the hospital. According to a study by The Human Animal Bond Research Institute, interactions with animals can lead to reduced heart rate and blood pressure. According to the same HABRI study, these physiological results are also be observed in the animals.

These effects could be seen in BGH staff, patients and visitors also got a chance to de-stress at the event, located in the BGH parking lot during the morning shift change.

“We wanted to host an event as a thank you to our local health care workers,” Nagel said., “It’s been such a hard and traumatic time to work in health care and we wanted to remind them that there are still people out in the community who are thinking about them and supporting them.”

Better Together Animal Alliance, formerly known as Panhandle Animal Shelter, is a group dedicated to serving the animals of North Idaho. The non-profit group's programs are focused on keeping pets and their families together and, though sheltering is still part of our services, it is just one of the programs that BTAA offers.