Providence Hospitals has a new staff member—Annie, a four-year-old Labradoodle, has been added as part of a new pet therapy program.  Studies have shown a decrease in blood pressure and stress levels and an improvement in emotional well-being in patients during therapy dog visits. Annie, a member of Therapy Dogs International owned by retired marketing specialist John Scheble, spent her “first day on the job” visiting patients and staff in various departments throughout the hospital, including the Emergency department and recovery units.  Annie, who also volunteers at local nursing homes and the library, will begin visiting patients once a week as part of the new program.