GAINESVILLE — A brand new pet park at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville drew a large crowd Monday afternoon as officials cut the ribbon.
Among the guests were Murray and Daphne David, the donors who made the park a reality.
"We're pet-lovers," said Murray David. "We didn't know this kind of thing ever existed, maybe it didn't but it does now! We hope the people that do get to use it will enjoy it."
Murray David was also pleased with the way the park turned out, remarking, "I think it's beautiful, don't you?"
Gus the Therapy Dog and his handler, Nancy Hammond were also at the dedication. Hammond and Gus volunteer with Therapy Dogs International and were invited to help celebrate the opening of the park.
"It's just excellent, I've never heard of such a thing," she said. "I've talked to other people and we have not heard of other hospitals that have this type of facility."
Hammond said Gus became a therapy dog after retiring from obedience trial competitions. Now, she said Gus gets to spend his time doing what he loves: being with people.
"It's going to make a huge difference in the care that the hospital is giving the patients here," Hammond said.
She explained further. "They just touch your heart! They bring you calmness. A lot of people are stressed - patients, family of the patient - and they just start petting a dog and that motion of petting and just pouring out their feelings through him (Gus) and he kind of absorbs it. It just helps them with healing and being calm."
A sidewalk painted with white paw prints leads to the park, an enclosed area designed for one patient and their pet at a time. A concrete walkway leads in to a sitting area with benches, surrounded by flowers and several small trees. A bright blue fire hydrant, weather vane and a dog-shaped topiary wearing a blue bandana line the park. Northeast Georgia Medical Center - Gainesville is one of the only several hospitals in the country with a specialty pet area for patients.
The park will likely have its first patient in mid-July.
