Over the past 40 or so years, the positive effects of animal-assisted therapy have become increasingly recognized by medical professionals. For example, therapy dogs can have cardiovascular, cognitive, and psychological benefits for patients at long-term care facilities. Additionally, a six-year study completed earlier this year at Mount Sinai Beth Israel hospital found that therapy dogs can help cancer patients, too. Patients who underwent chemotherapy treatment with a therapy dog were more likely to follow through with their treatments, and their emotional wellbeing improved as well. Through their social nature and seemingly endless happiness, dogs lessen the burden of intense cancer treatment and help patients maintain a positive attitude