New York Times: "The Healing Power of Dogs"

"Dogs have long had special standing in the medical world. Trained to see for the blind, hear for the deaf and move for the immobilized, dogs have become indispensable companions for people with disabilities.

"But dogs appear to be far more than four-legged health care workers. Over the years, data on the larger role dogs play in health has trickled out from various corners of the world..."

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New York Times: "For Cancer Patients, Empathy Goes a Long Way"

"Research supports the idea that a few kind words from an oncologist — what used to be called bedside manner — can go a long way toward helping people with cancer understand their treatment, stick with it, cope better and maybe even fare better medically."

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Article: "Happiness may be good for your health"

Read the article, which summarizes a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, correlating happiness and positive attitude with lower levels of cortisol.

A Patient's Best Friend: My dog's amazing gift with hospice patients.

an article by Jon Katz, from Slate.com