Strong's Pet Therapy Dogs Back for Another Year of Endless Cuddles
Back by pupular demand—our 2020 PET Therapy Dog wall calendar featuring our adorable (and growing) pack of therapy dogs is now available at the Friends of Strong Gift Shop. Even better, all proceeds from the calendars benefit patient- and family-centered care at Strong Memorial Hospital.
These cute calendars make a great gift for pup-lovers of all ages and are available for just $9.99 at the Friends of Strong Gift Shop located on the first floor of Golisano Children's Hospital or online for delivery to patient rooms.
Can’t make it to the Gift Shop? Call (585) 275-2420 to order a copy shipped anywhere in the contiguous U.S. (a $4.99 shipping and handling fee applies).
Beginning with just one volunteer and her dedicated dog, our pups have nuzzled their ways into the hearts of many by making weekly visits to comfort hospitalized patients of all ages and enriching the health care experience.
Twenty years, 55 dogs, 220 paws, and countless tail wags later, the ever-popular program today consists of more than a dozen certified PETS therapy dogs, together with their handlers, bringing joy and happiness to our patients, their families and our staff. These popular pups provide a sense of comfort for ruff-ly 65 patients in any given week—that’s approximately 55,000 visits throughout the program’s 20-year span!
The program is beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing rehabilitation and so much more. “During their visits to Pluta Cancer Center, they are truly angels with paws, providing unconditional love during times I needed it most,” says Deanna Dewberry, twelve-time Emmy Award winning journalist, three-time cancer survivor and one of the PETS program’s biggest fans. “For my children, the presence of the dogs immediately calmed them, a quiet assurance that the place where Mommy gets chemo is one of healing and comfort and not one of fear. They are fur-clad comfort keepers. What a gift.”
We are tirelessly committed to our mission and the PETS Therapy Program is just one of the many ways we seek to give back to the hospital and foster exceptional care for everyone.
This year, we were able to assist in funding such initiatives as providing infant safe-sleep swaddles for every baby born at Strong Memorial Hospital, as well as capacity-building support for the new Eastman Performing Arts Medicine program bringing live music to patients, families and guests throughout the hospital, along with numerous other areas of need.
Matt Ulakovic | 11/21/2019
