We the undersigned support the following petition for the initiation of an animal therapy program at Lenoir Memorial Hospital in order to facilitate the emotional and physical healing of our patients. As part of a hollistic approach to recovery, animal therapy has been proven to lower blood pressure, decrease anxiety and loneliness, encourages movement, speech, and cognitive functioning. Patients who would like to visit with a certified therapy animal in a controlled environment, (if indicated by the doctor) can experience the physiological and psychological benefits of this treatment. Please sign below.