Every now and then, a special friend comes into our lives – someone who can make us smile merely by looking at us or bring comfort just by snuggling up with us. At Summit Health, many Cancer Warriors have found a very special friend in Teddy. Though he’s barely seven, he has the ability to elicit smiles wherever he goes.
Teddy, a sweet, black-haired Shih Tzu, is part of the Diana Gail Ruggieri Pet Therapy Program at Summit Health. For more than a year, he has been volunteering each month with his owner, Ellen Maynard, as part of Summit Health Cares’ program. “It is so personally rewarding to volunteer with Teddy at Summit Health and to be able to experience how the patients react to Teddy visiting them,” Maynard expressed. Amazing pet therapy dogs, like Teddy, come to Summit Health through the organization Creature Comfort Pet Therapy, and are part of SHC’s Cancer Comfort Project. The goal of the program is to provide comfort and connection to patients undergoing cancer treatment. Pet therapy is one of the wonderful ways the program meets people where they are.
Maynard reports that Teddy loves the nurses, patients, and clearly loves the work of spreading a little joy wherever he goes. He’s eager to give wet kisses, share his soft fur for petting, or even cuddle up next to patients as they undergo chemotherapy. The happiness he exudes elicits joy and calmness for all around him. “Teddy loves the attention and treats he gets during those visits,” said Maynard. “The program is great and it’s so nice for me to come and share Teddy with everyone. He loves it!”
Whether through a happy wag of the tail or a sloppy lick of the face, therapy dogs like Teddy bring comfort to Cancer Warriors at Summit Health all in Diana’s memory. Volunteers like Teddy and Ellen are what make those moments possible.