Faces light up when a dog enters the room. Compared to us, they keep things simple.There’s no room for pity, judgment or ideas about age or beauty.

When we’re the most vulnerable – old, sick, alone, in pain – their eager and unconditional love provides a real lift.

Cindy DeClerk knows firsthand how therapy dogs help patients. She’s been volunteering with her miniature poodle, Teddy, since May 2004.

“On our last visit, a woman was sitting in the hall when I took Teddy up to her. She didn’t respond much, but the nurse said she detected a smile. I couldn’t see it.

Anyway, she didn’t want to pet him, so I had Teddy do his tricks for her.After he finished, I turned to the nurse when she told me to look back. The patient was clapping! Of course Teddy took a bow. That moment made my whole day!”

Not to be confused with service dogs, therapy dogs help patients by simply visiting them. It takes specialized training and certification to be a therapy dog … as well as hospice training to work with our patients.

We love all our therapy dogs and appreciate their warm noses and loving hearts! Their visits mean a lot!

Therapy Dog Certification

Editor’s Note: Sally was the first-ever Arkansas Hospice Therapy Dog … and like so many other firsts in our lives, she will always be remembered and held close. Carol Satre, her handler, was instrumental in gaining our initial Therapy Pet access to patients in Arkansas Hospice’s Little Rock Center. For more information on therapy dogs, contact Therapy Dogs International, Inc. at 973-252-9800 (www.tdi-dog.org). For volunteering in an Arkansas Hospice center with your dog, call Harriet at 1-877-257-3400.