Patty, Mike and Matthew Moffett have anxiously awaited the lessening of COVID precautions that would allow them to return to patient visits with Rosemary, our BCN therapy dog. We have worried from time to time about how the pause would impact her skills. Matthew and his expert service dog Tucker have worked to help her retain her training during the break. We received the green light to schedule visits and Patty put together a calendar. With excitement and a little trepidation, the team gave Rosie a bath and bought a new collar. When she put on her work harness, would she understand that it was time to go back to work?

The report from the first night could not have been better. Patty shared a text message report: “Our girl did it!” As a BCN team member welcomed Team Rosie to the unit, a family member spotted them and asked if Rosie could visit their mom. She walked right in and put her head on the bed for the patient to pet her. In the second room, a husband sat by his wife of 65 years. He was grieving because he had recently put down a beloved pet. Rosie sat between his legs. As he stroked her head, he talked with Patty and Matthew about his loss. In rooms where patients were alone, Patty and Matthew practiced with Rosie to acclimate her to the sounds of the hospital. They paused to pray for these patients. 

The team has continued to make visits, each time with a great story. Sometimes the patient connects with the human team members, other times they share stories about a patient’s pet pig. One night on the way to the unit Rosie shared some love with nursing students studying for clinicals. Each visit is different, but all are impactful  After work the team stops at Starbuck’s for a treat. Rosie usually naps in the back seat on the way home. Returning to work can be exhausting.

Including therapy dog visits on our BCN units is a blessing for patients, families  as well as our team members. We are so grateful for the behind the scenes work that makes this happen! As their schedule expands, we may need to put Starbuck’s gift cards on our wish list. Rosie sure does love a Puppaccino!