Facility dog Rhett makes new friends at Thompson Center

COLUMBIA, MO (May 31, 2016) — Since joining the Thompson Center in April 2015, Thompson Center facility dog Rhett has helped clients in medical and behavioral clinics make great improvements.
In the fall, Rhett helped nurse Tammy Hickman with a blood draw for a young girl who was screaming just at the mention of it. When Rhett sat by her chair, the girl was able to pet him and eventually calm down.
“I think she will look forward to coming back to the clinic because even though the blood draw wasn’t fun, she will look forward to possibly seeing Rhett,” said Hickman. “She kept telling Rhett he did a good job, and ‘You did it, Rhett.’”
Rhett also helped Dr. Connie Brooks with a long-term therapy patient who she had trouble getting through to for some time. When she decided to introduce him to Rhett, she had more of a breakthrough with him than she had in a long time. Rhett is slated to join them again for future appointments.