Tripler Army Medical Center's (TAMC) Human Animal Bond (HAB) Program hosted a group of Japanese veterinarians and veterinary technicians as they learned more about the program on Nov. 6, 2014.
The day began with a warm welcome from TAMC Deputy Commander for Administration (DCA), Lt. Col. Hugh Mclean and an overview of the program by Deputy Commander, Public Health Command District-Central Pacific and Army veterinarian, Maj. Salvador Nassri.
The total number of 29 visitors from Japan then broke down into smaller groups amongst the nine dogs and their handlers to visit in and outpatient facilities throughout the hospital.
"These visits, also called Animal Assisted Activities, help people by providing a change from the daily routine, giving people with a common interest a topic for conversation," stated Barbara Gilbert, Infection Control Nurse, Chair, HAB Program Board, TAMC. "They lift them spiritually, emotionally, and socially."
The group has visited almost every year to compare the differences between the HAB Program and their own similiar program, Companion Animals Partnership Program (CAPP), which is promoted by the Japanese Animal Hospital Association (JAHA).
Gilbert stated, "Although they may see small differences between their program and our HAB Program, we hope they take away how our programs and animals bring us all together."
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