A service dog in training brings comfort to ER doctors on the frontlines

“I saw Wynn coming back in from being walked outside,” Ryan told CNN. “I just slumped down on the floor and said ‘can I just have a minute with her’?'”

Ryan said she had just finished with a patient and washed up before getting some quality time with Wynn.

“Seeing stuff and hearing stuff that you can’t unsee has an impact on you,” Ryan said. “That’s where the dogs come in. When you are in the presence of the dog and petting them you are taking a moment to ground yourself at that present time.”

Wynn is currently being trained to become an assistance dog for Canine Companions for independence a non-profit that provides assistance dogs free of charge to adults, children and veterans with disabilities, according to its website.

Ryan has been training Wynn since she was eight weeks old. She frequently takes the pup to the hospital for visits.

“It’s been the brightest part of our day,” Ryan said.

Now, Wynn is set up in the social workers office and on-call for staffers who need some puppy love to relieve stress. In the room, lights are dimmed and meditation music plays to provide the best place for medical staff to take a little mental break before returning to their jobs.

Don’t worry, everyone that comes in contact with Wynn thoroughly washes their hands before touching her

Ryan suggests to help emergency room doctors, people should make sure they practice social distancing, wash their hands and take care of themselves.

“This will decrease the surge that will hit us,” Ryan said. ” We took an oath. We will stand up and show up.”

She also said that she was very moved by seeing the videos shared on social media of people sharing their support for medical staff.