Even people who don’t love dogs are glad to know pet therapy is available to Centrica Care Navigators patients who need a special kind of companionship.

The role of a therapy pet is one that a lot of dogs are well-suited to: they make visits to hospice patients at their home or in a care facility. Some patients simply like to see a dog, or maybe pet it while it sits calmly. Other times, dogs rest while patients reminisce about their own pets over the years.

Currently, we have 10 therapy pets — all dogs — visiting with patients throughout our 10-county service area, including two golden retrievers, a greyhound, and a pair of poodles who are actually brother and sister.

Every week, pets (and their volunteer owners) make pre-arranged stops in patient rooms, where they rest quietly while they are petted. For some patients, a visit is the highlight of the month. We also offer “baseball cards” with each dog’s photo and a few fun facts — Sophie loves tummy rubs, while Dexter’s favorite special once-in-a-while treat is pizza — to help remind patients of their favorite visitors.

Pet therapy dog owners say it’s a kind of volunteering that is especially rewarding when they walk into a patient’s room and see the patient’s face light up.

“It’s been a really rewarding experience to interact with people who share a love for dogs,” says Lindsay, who visits patients with her golden retriever, Rae. “I like that I can provide companionship in a new way and am able to bring a smile to their face, despite the challenges they face every day.”

Several pet therapy animals work with more than hospice patients; dogs visit with young children at libraries. One dog even makes visits to the local college campuses during exam week to remind everyone to take a rewarding study break now and then.

Our 10 dog volunteers stay quite active with visits. That’s why we’re always looking for more pet therapy animals to join them. There’s more to pet therapy than just bringing a dog by to say “hello.” The Alliance of Therapy Dogs requires a test before certifying a dog as a therapy animal (and their certification is a requirement for service here at Centrica Care Navigators). But in general, a pet therapy animal is eligible as long as it is: