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.
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!
Our therapy dog program is solely funded from donations. If you are interested in making a contribution to our program, please select the Donate to Our Program link.
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.
News and Publications about our Pet Therapy Program
SEEN Magazine video and article
Henry Ford Hospital's Therapy Dog Coordinator Keith Fishman, explains how important and life-changing therapy dogs and the program are for Henry Ford's patients.
(Video approximately 1 minute)
The Splash video
Splash host Brooke Allen sits down with Keith Fishman and his dog Thor from the Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital Therapy Dog Program.
(Video approximately 10 minutes)
Civic Center TV video
Dr. Linda Sircus of Bloomfield Township interviews Keith Fishman about the benefits of Pet Therapy in healthcare.
(Video approximately 30 minutes)