Right now a local hospital is using our furry friends to help lower stress in medical patients

OSF Saint Anthony Hospital is the first in our area to kick off an "Animal Therapy Program" More then ten volunteers will circulate the hospital, sharing their dogs with patients. Doctors say the K-9's help lower blood-pressure in sick residents. The programs founder says she originally started the group after her father decided he would only get medical treatment with her dog by his side.

"It helped him get through the therapy treatment and that dog and my father are no longer with me but I know that through this program that I'm going to be able to bring that level of comfort to all patients," says Animal Therapy Coordinator Theresa Geraci.

The hospital is looking for around about 100-dogs and volunteers. They encourage anyone interested in participating to fill out an application on their website.