Heart to Heart: Dog Helps Improve Patient's Mental, Heart Health

Ava, a terrier-chihuahua mix dog, plays a special part in Doyen Korth’s life, helping him improve his heart and mental health.   

Doyen, a patient of Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, has always loved dogs. When his significant other became ill and went on hospice services, he surrendered their pets and moved into the nursing home with her. Sadly, she passed away in February of 2023. Doyen moved to another assisted living following his partner’s passing.

“He transitioned very well and is a favorite in his new community; he is mobile and enjoys the company of staff and residents and is always quick to be helpful in any way he can,” says Robin Paulie, CHC/SEK Community Health Worker (CHW). “I have always admired his simplistic approach to life and dealing with the twists and turns of his journey. His own health issues should be enough to cause discouragement at times, but he is endlessly cheerful and outgoing. To read more, click here.