Therapy cat visits patients in hospital, helps heal them and brightens their day

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Animals as part of therapy have become more common in recent years, with universities and hospitals utilizing them more than ever.
One cat named Duke Ellington Morris is doing all of that and more with critically ill patients at UCSF medical hospital and works with the staff to be a part of therapy for those in the ICU.
The adorable cat is part of UCSF and the SF SPCA’s animal-assisted therapy program, and the goal of the program “is to facilitate healing, promote wellbeing, and share a little love.” Studies have proven that bringing animals in for some therapy can “reduce blood pressure, pain, stress, anxiety, and depression,” and patients at the hospital seem to love seeing Duke Ellington come around for a visit!
Patient Andre Ross explained further, “When you have this animal that comes in here like Duke … you can pet him, you can stroke him. He gives you a sense of being connected as a human again. So it’s really a wonderful thing.”
Duke’s owner also explained that while he’s a rescue cat, it’s more of the other way around. “I think he rescued us. there’s no doubt in my mind. He’s just a sweetheart.”
Proving that bringing humanity to the hospital helps in more ways than one, Duke Ellington Morris is bringing joy to people who need it most!
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