Gee has been studying the interactions between therapy dogs and humans for more than two decades and leads the Dogs on Call program at VCU, which started in 2001. While more research needs to be done on the specific therapy interventions between athletes and dogs, Gee says recent studies show that a pet makes a difference during high stress activities.

Last week as a part of wellness week at CBS6, our friends from Dogs on Call visited to help our team members destress after a long week.  The Dogs on Call therapy dog program provides complimentary therapy to enhance the wellbeing of patients, staff, and students, through canine-assisted interventions.

“Interacting with animals is scientifically proven to elevate mood,” says Dr. Gee, “along with multiple other health benefits. In adults, animal-human interaction decreases stress, depression, agitation, and even symptoms of PTSD. Objective physiologic indicators include decreased cortisol levels, heart rate, and blood pressure.”

Gee is a professor of psychiatry and director of the Center for Animal-Human Interaction at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. She has been researching the relationship between humans and animals for decades.

Rudee and his owner Ron Maxey started visiting Anna Julia Cooper School about a year ago for the volunteer work they call "Reading to Rudy." The program has become quite popular among students.