Memorial Hospital Expands Therapy Dog Program

Springfield Memorial Hospital has expanded its animal-assisted therapy program with the addition of four newly certified therapy dogs, increasing the number of dogs available to visit patients through the hospital's "DOGtors on Call" program.

The expansion was made possible through a $4,500 grant from the Springfield Memorial Foundation, which funded certification-related expenses for the volunteer handlers and their dogs. The program pairs Springfield Memorial Hospital employees with their certified therapy dogs to provide comfort and companionship to patients throughout the hospital.

Pam Hulten, director of the Springfield Memorial Foundation, said the organization was pleased to support the program because of the positive impact it has on both patients and hospital staff.

The expansion follows the success of Kylo, a 6-year-old German shepherd who has been visiting patients each week with his handler, Michelle Geiss, a psychiatric nurse practitioner at Springfield Memorial Hospital. Hospital officials said Kylo's visits have been well received by patients, leading nursing leadership to broaden the program.

Geiss said patients enjoy spending time with Kylo by playing fetch, giving him belly rubs and interacting with him in the activity room. She said the visits help brighten patients' moods while providing comfort and companionship during their hospital stay.

Four additional dogs have now joined the program after completing the required training and certification process through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

Bandit, an 8-year-old corgi, is handled by Maureen Brusnighan, a member of the hospital's environmental services team. Brusnighan rescued Bandit from a breeder in Missouri, and Bandit was the first of the four new dogs to pass the certification exam.

Huck, a 3-year-old golden retriever, is handled by registered nurse Ashley Ferris. Ferris adopted Huck after seeing him available for adoption on social media. She previously worked alongside another certified therapy dog, Willow.

Lucy, a 2-year-old goldendoodle, is handled by Christine Waldhauser, Springfield Memorial Hospital's director of nursing. Waldhauser and her husband spent 14 weeks training with Lucy before the dog completed certification.

Stirling, a 9-year-old red and white tri-colored Australian shepherd, is handled by Craig Frank, a mental health technician who has worked at Springfield Memorial Hospital for 43 years. Frank said Stirling helps patients feel more comfortable talking with staff and provides a calming presence in areas where stress levels can be high.

The Springfield Memorial Foundation grant covered Alliance of Therapy Dogs membership fees, background checks and uniforms for the volunteer handlers. Before beginning patient visits, each dog and handler completed months of training and earned certification through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.