Mayo Clinic Dogs Provide Comfort for Patients Facing Illness

By Ali Skahan

60-year-old, Denise Krivach, awoke one morning to her body not functioning properly and sought out help from Mayo Clinic. After her team of specialists diagnosed her with autoimmune encephalitis, she underwent surgery but was uncertain of her future. Fortunately, Alta, a 4-year-old golden retriever helped put Denise’s mind at ease. Mayo Clinic’s Caring Canines program connects patients with registered dogs to provide comfort and companionship. Now seeking her own four-legged friend, Denise says Caring Companions has given her her life back.