A therapy llama named Pearl had a very sweet visit with a hospital in Tennessee recently.
You've probably seen therapy dogs, but therapy llamas are on a whole other level.
This is Pearl. Late last month, she stopped by Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital in Germantown, Tennessee, WMC Action News 5 reported.
"Studies show simply petting an animal lowers the level of cortisol, a stress hormone, so patients are less stressed," hospital CEO Diane Ridgway told Methodist Healthcare. "Studies also show dopamine, a blood chemical associated with happiness, goes up."
Pearl is part of Mid South Therapy Dogs and Friends, a nonprofit that visits hospitals, schools, libraries and other spots with furry friends in tow.
She isn't the only therapy llama — groups like Mountain Therapy Llamas and Alpacas have also been on the scene for years.
She visited with patients, families, and employees.
"Seeing the llama definitely brightened my day, and it brightens the patient's day and it makes their stay a little better," nursing student Blair Slater told WMC Action News 5.
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