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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Modern Medicine might be amazing, but it also can't explain how pets can lower someone's blood pressure, ease depression and help them communicate.

Pets are playing a big role at Nathan Adelson Hospice.

There's not much that can comfort a dying patient or their family, but Maury and Bogey sure try. They are both certified therapy pets.

"If the patients aren't up to it, they come out here and it gives them time to get their mind off what the hard part is and I find that gives me a lot of satisfaction," said Harriette Rowe, Bogey's owner.

These pets are part of the Bonnie Shrek memorial complimentary therapies program at Nathan Adelson Hospice. Every day, animals visit and offer comfort. Their owners say that somehow pets can offer something that people can't.

"The interesting part is that because of their condition or meds, they aren't visibly alert," said Mandy Nicholson, Maury's owner. "But the other thing is that family members feel the animal has some kind of connection to the patient."

Bogey and Maury have visited patients for about two years, meaning their owners have volunteered that long too. 

"I do an IT job in project management. My job doesn't have an element of giving back to society, and I didn't realize when I signed up for this how great it would be for me," said Nicholson. "I walk out on cloud nine." 

There are 26 dogs and one cat that participate in the program. Currently, they are collecting blankets, beds and food for their shelter friends at all of the Nathan Adelson campuses.

Last year, people dropped off about 2,000 items. The donation drive extends through the month of January.