Pet Therapy
Who let the dogs out? We did! The beloved Pet Therapy Program has returned to Abrazo Arrowhead Campus, bringing wagging tails, wet noses and heartwarming moments back to patients, visitors, and staff. After a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, the program is once again growing, with more volunteer teams joining to share the healing power of human- animal connection. Among them is Raymond Mushier and his 3-year-old rescue Standard Poodle, Cowboy, who recently completed orientation and made their first hospital rounds. “Cowboy is such a unique looking dog for a Standard Poodle – he turns heads everywhere we go,” says Mushier, who has years of experience in pet therapy. His previous therapy dog served alongside him at Abrazo West Campus in Goodyear before he relocated to Glendale.
“My dogs have served at Sky Harbor Airport and other hospitals. They just love being around people, and the joy they bring to patients is incredible. It really is a win-win for both the dogs and the patients.” Mushier and Cowboy are so popular and talented, they now help mentor and train new pet therapy teams at Abrazo Arrowhead. The program accepts volunteer therapy pets certified through The Alliance of Therapy Dogs and/or Pet Partners, both of which require extensive training, testing, and certification. “The dogs must be at least a year old, fully vaccinated, and pass a strict behavior evaluation. Handlers also undergo background checks,” said Sherry Roueche, CVA, Abrazo Arrowhead Campus. “Therapy dogs like Cowboy provide so much comfort and companionship in a way that humans alone can’t. The smiles and expressions of joy they bring to our patients is truly remarkable,” she says. Abrazo Arrowhead Campus looks forward to welcoming more therapy teams as the program continues to grow, creating moments of comfort and connection throughout the hospital.
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