I'm not Barney ... thank goodness.I'm totally loving this idea. A woman in Bristol, England was allowed to bring her therapy dog into the hospital with her -- who then stayed by her side as she gave birth. The dog, a Labrador named Barney, was allowed inside the room where the unnamed woman gave birth to a baby. Barney is a certified therapy dog and the woman got permission from higher-ups at the hospital. But some cranky non-pet-loving types are complaining about it, natch. Way to ruin everyone's fun.

Reportedly, the faithful pooch stood by and slobbered over observed the entire two-hour birth. The woman said she needed the dog there to calm her anxiety.

Hospital bosses said that permission was granted by infection control experts and that a thorough cleaning was done after the birth. But some people -- probably poor, lonely, petless people -- do not approve. Sources told The Sun:

Nurses and doctors were appalled ... This is the first time any of the hospital’s staff can remember such a thing happening. They’re now worried that other women will be allowed to do the same because a precedent has been set.

Oh well, boo hoo. The world would be a better place if dogs were allowed everywhere. Let 'em inside the cockpit of planes, I say. How about standing by during open heart surgery? Why not? I'm not a big dog person -- cats are my thing -- but you can't tell me dogs are any more or less germy than people. Do they eat their poop? So I've heard. But people put their noses in some strange places too.

I think this idea should be expanded. What about a delivery ward at the Humane Society? You could pick out a new pet while dealing with those pesky contractions. How about special birthing packages that allow you to push out your lil 'un in the monkey exhibit at the zoo?

There are all kinds of ideas here. I think Animal Planet needs to get on this.

Do you think a dog should be allowed in a birthing ward?


Image via AndreaArden/Flickr