Because of their unique ability to reach out and love unconditionally,
therapy dogs can lift moods and relieve anxiety, fear and loneliness.
Just a simple touch can go a long way in restoring health.
How It Works
Volunteer handlers bring their registered therapy dogs for visits to patient
rooms, waiting rooms and rehabilitation sites at various Altru locations.
Patient visits usually last 10 to 15 minutes. Patients are invited to
pet the dog and ask the handler questions.
Therapy dog visits are not only beneficial to patients. They can help reduce
stress and provide comfort to families and visitors.
Meet The Therapy Dog Team
Brita
Brita is a Giant Schnauzer who loves to do therapy visits throughout Altru
Health System. She frequently visits the cancer center, pediatric unit,
waiting rooms, cardiac unit, ICU, surgery recovery, rehabilitation, the
emergency room and many other departments. She's multi-lingual, and keeps
expanding her American Sign Language skills. Patients and visitors who
communicate through American Sign Language have greatly enjoyed interacting with her.
Valentino
Valentino is an English Doodle (English Cream Retriever and Poodle). He
was born 10/9/16 and was registered with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs
in December 2019. Valentino’s favorite things include car rides,
naps on the couch and mud puddles. Valentino has a smile for everyone
he meets and an extra tail wag for if you are a kid or kid at heart.
Sophie
Sophie was born 9/17/2019. She became a therapy dog when she was 1.5 years
old and began at Altru in March of 2022. Sophie is a Great Dane and a
very timid one at that. She especially loves visiting children and staff.
Sophie is drawn to kids who are crying and the scents of newborn babies.
She gets very excited when Altru staff call her by name. Sophie and her
handler most often visit Altru locations on Friday mornings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a patient or family member make a request for a pet therapy visit?
Request a pet therapy visit through your provider or the nursing staff
in your department. Pending approval by your department, the request will
be sent to the therapy dog team. The therapy dog team will make every
effort to fill special requests for visits.
What is the difference between a service dog, a therapy dog, and a companion dog?
Service dogs are working dogs. They do not want to be touched because they
have a job to do. Conversely, therapy dogs love to be stroked and snuggled.
Companion dogs will assist and provide companionship to individuals.
Are the therapy dogs residents of Altru?
No. All dogs in the Altru therapy dog program are the personal pets of
their volunteer handlers.
My dog is really nice. Can I bring him/her in to visit? Certified therapy dogs are not your average family pet. They go through
extensive training to become gentle-natured in all circumstances. Beyond
therapy or service dogs, we do not allow outside pets.
I’m scared of dogs. What if I don’t want to be around a therapy dog?
Therapy dogs sense who does and doesn’t like them. They understand
the human vibe, and know who to approach and who not to approach. Therapy
dogs will only visit patient rooms per the patient’s consent. Additionally,
therapy dogs are always with their handler.
I’m allergic to dogs. Will the therapy dog make me sick?
The dander of therapy dogs is well controlled. The risk is very minimal.
What about safety and infection control?
Altru’s therapy dogs are screened for appropriate behavior. They
have been evaluated and trained to be therapy dogs. They are required
to be clean and vaccinated.
How do we become a Therapy Dog Team at Altru?
All Altru therapy dog teams have been evaluated, and hold membership in
a pet therapy organization, such as Alliance of Therapy Dogs.
Contact Volunteer Services at
701.780.5125 for more information.
Brita is a Giant Schnauzer who loves to do therapy visits throughout Altru
Health System. She frequently visits the cancer center, pediatric unit,
waiting rooms, cardiac unit, ICU, surgery recovery, rehabilitation, the
emergency room and many other departments. She's multi-lingual, and keeps
expanding her American Sign Language skills. Patients and visitors who
communicate through American Sign Language have greatly enjoyed interacting with her.
Valentino is an English Doodle (English Cream Retriever and Poodle). He
was born 10/9/16 and was registered with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs
in December 2019. Valentino’s favorite things include car rides,
naps on the couch and mud puddles. Valentino has a smile for everyone
he meets and an extra tail wag for if you are a kid or kid at heart.
Sophie was born 9/17/2019. She became a therapy dog when she was 1.5 years
old and began at Altru in March of 2022. Sophie is a Great Dane and a
very timid one at that. She especially loves visiting children and staff.
Sophie is drawn to kids who are crying and the scents of newborn babies.
She gets very excited when Altru staff call her by name. Sophie and her
handler most often visit Altru locations on Friday mornings.
