Dogs welcomed back as visitors at YRMC

Their visits were put on paws after the start of the pandemic

YUMA, Ariz. (KECY, KYMA) - Dogs were finally welcomed back by patients and hospital employees alike today at Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC).

Hospital volunteers would bring them in weekly to lift the spirits of those at the hospital, but due to the pandemic, those visits stopped in March of 2020.

Almost two years to the date they made a triumphant return, visiting multiple floors and wings of the hospital.

One patient was particularly happy to get a special visit, as he missed his pomeranian back at home.

“Dogs always lift my spirits, no matter where they are. They never let you down,” Wallie, a patient at YRMC said.

The dogs plan to return to YRMC weekly as long as COVID cases at the hospital and in the community stay low.