Instagram | @docplusdog

Heartwarming Photo Of Service Dog In Training Comforting ER Doctor Goes Viral

Updated September 8, 2021

Things are tough out there right now, especially for the health workers risking their own lives to keep those who have been directly affected by COVID-19 alive and on the road to recovery.

But while we take comfort in the sacrifices doctors, nurses, support staff, EMTs, and other essential workers are making on our behalf, who can be there to comfort and support them?

Information about the coronavirus pandemic is rapidly changing and Diply is committed to providing the most recent data as it becomes available. Some of the information in this story may have changed since publication, and we encourage readers to use online resources from CDC and WHO to stay up to date on the latest information surrounding COVID-19.

Wynn the service dog in training, that's who.

Instagram | @docplusdog

Wynn is a regular at Rose Medical Center in Denver, where her human Dr. Susan Ryan works as an emergency physician.

The dog is now a year old, but has been training with Ryan since she was only eight weeks old.

She's training to become a service dog for Canine Companions for Independence.

Instagram | @docplusdog

The non-profit breeds and trains service dogs for people in need of assistance, at no cost to the recipients.

There are many aspects to Wynn's training, but Dr. Ryan's job provides her with plenty of opportunity to interact and work within a hospital environment.

With Dr. Ryan working long hours, Wynn has been spending extra time with the staff.

Instagram | @docplusdog

She's been given a spot in the social worker's office, where the lights are dimmed and soothing music plays. There, hospital staff can pop in for a mental breather when they need it.

But it's a photo of Dr. Ryan herself, seated on a hallway floor with Wynn at her side that's gone viral.

Instagram | @docplusdog

She had just finished up with a patient, hands freshly scrubbed, but mask and shield still on, when she saw Wynn being brought back in from a walk.

"I just slumped down on the floor and said 'can I just have a minute with her?'" Ryan told CNN.

The photo's popularity has resulted in many interviews, allowing Dr. Ryan to share the best ways people can help emergency workers.

Facebook | Rose Medical Center (Denver)

It's a familiar, important message: practice social distancing, wash your hands, and be kind to each other.

"This will decrease the surge that will hit us," she says. "We took an oath. We will stand up and show up."

"We are all in this together," she continued. "We can be connected by kindness, love, and four paws."

h/t: CNN

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