You and your best friend can become part of our Pet Connections program. Join our menagerie of dogs, cats, rabbits and miniature horses!
A great therapy animal is friendly, confident, calm and likes visiting people. Dogs should be controllable on a leash, welcoming to strangers, non-aggressive with other dogs and have basic obedience skills. All pet teams must be evaluated and registered with a national pet therapy organization. We can assist you in navigating the registration process. Teams also are required to complete a training program. We have 45 Pet Connections Teams!
Pet therapy teams typically visit with patients from one to two hours per week in many different settings: skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, group homes, patients’ private homes, and inpatient hospice homes.
Animals provide comfort, bring back happy memories, reduce stress, and distract from pain.
A soothing break in the day, and an opportunity to see their loved one enjoying a pleasant interaction.
The visits are a few minutes of unconditional love and attention in a day focused on caring for others.
Each month we feature one of our pet therapist! Our pet therapy enhance the quality of life of patients, families and staff.
Pet Parent: Lin Sue Flood
Breed: Blue Standard Poodle
Birthdate: March 9, 2016
Favorite Food: Arugula
Favorite toy, trick, or activity: Loves to copy mom and do the yoga position: Down Dog
Pet Parent: Melissa Fast
Breed: Border Jack
Birthdate: March 1, 2014
Favorite Food: Pup-Peroni treats
Favorite toy, trick or activity: I love to play ball, know a lot of tricks and commands like “back up, high five and spin around.”
Pet Parent: Maura Cecere
Breed: Miniature Poodle
Birthdate: June 24, 2020
Favorite Food: Steak and pork
Favorite toy, trick or activity: I love playing with squeaky toys and getting belly rubs.
Pet Parent: Nancy Casey
Breed: Creme Retriever
Birthdate: Jan. 5, 2022
Favorite Food: Bone marrow bones
Favorite toy, trick or activity: I love to carry my favorite blanket with me all over the house. I also love to play fetch.
Pet Parent: Marian Wallace
Breed: Golden Retriever
Birthdate: Dec. 10, 2014
Favorite Food: Goldfish® crackers
Favorite toy, trick or activity: Playing fetch, get belly rubs and ride in the car with my head out the window, no matter the temperature.
Pet Parent: Pat Shouse
Breed: Border Collie Mix
Birthdate: Oct. 26, 2017
Favorite Food: Vanilla ice cream
Favorite toy, trick or Activity: I love chasing whatever toy is tossed to me and doing 360s in my yard!
Pet Parent: Elise Schwimer
Breed: Golden Retriever
Birthdate: Oct. 21, 2000
Favorite toy, trick or activity: I love to go hiking
Pet Parent: Mandy Weaver
Breed: Cavachon
Birthdate: May 2, 2015
Favorite Food: Greenies™ Treats
Favorite toy, trick or activity: I love squeaky toys, taking walks and lots of snuggling!
Pet Parent: Dane McNamara
Breed: Bernedoodles
Birthdate: Oct. 21, 2021
Favorite Food: Sweet Potato & Watermelon
Favorite toy, trick or activity: Napping, playing with other dogs, walks, chasing birds, lizards.
Pet Parent: Ed Gesten
Breed: Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Birthdate: July 19, 2020
Favorite Food: Dried liver treats
Favorite toy, trick or activity: I love to chase our little “Ruby,” a Parson Russell Terrier.
Pet Parent: Marian Wallace
Breed: Golden Retriever
Birthdate: Jan. 10, 2017
Favorite Food: Chicken and watermelon
Favorite toy, trick or activity: I love to rough-house with my sister, Charlotte, tug-of-war and walks.
Pet Parents: Dale Maughan and Karyn Alcala
Breed: Wheaton Terrier
Birthdate: Dec. 24, 2021
Favorite toy, trick or activity: I love my squeaky duck, going on car rides, playing tag with dad and cuddling with mom.
Pets are part of our families. Losing their constant companionship and unconditional love can be devastating. Hospice of the Valley hosts a Pet Loss Support Group for those grieving the loss of their beloved companion.
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