Sally and Bob Goldman Therapy Dog Program

Here to Serve and Love

Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital’s National Award Winning therapy dog program is comprised of facility-owned dogs and volunteer pet therapy teams. Hope, a Black Labrador, George, a Golden Retriever, and Josie a Yellow Lab, are our certified therapy dogs at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital. In addition, approximately 30 volunteer pet therapy teams visit patients, guests and staff as part of our furry team. Our dogs come in all shapes and sizes!

Your child can have a photo taken with a therapy dog and take home therapy dog trading cards for Hope, George, Josie or any of our incredible therapy dogs who visit the hospital.

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In addition to providing dog visits at our hospital, our therapy dog program supports other local Henry Ford Health locations. Bravo, a Yellow Labrador, is our certified therapy dog at the Maplegrove rehabilitation center behind the hospital. He rounds on patients and sits in therapy sessions to comfort his friends every moment he can. Occasionally, our volunteer pet therapy teams also visit surrounding Henry Ford Health medical centers. Knowing the power of a dog visit, our goal is to provide therapy dog services to as many patients, guests and visitors as we possibly can!

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If you are interested in learning how you and your certified therapy dog can experience the rewards in becoming a part of our therapy dog volunteer program, please contact Keith Fishman, our Therapy Dog Program Coordinator, at (248) 325-2526 or kfishma2@HFHS.org.

Benefits of Therapy Dogs:

• Reduce anxiety of patients and family members: Research indicates therapy dogs can lower blood pressure, reduce feelings of loneliness, and minimize stress among hospitalized patients.
• Reduce staff stress: Studies have found that interacting with a therapy dog can help re-energize and motivate hospital staff.
• Interact with patients to aid in speech therapy.
• Make longer-term patients feel more at home.
• Educate children about dog safety.