Dog News

Children’s Hospital Names Dog As Honorary Nurse

by ADMIN

Life With Dogs is reader-supported. We may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page.

golden retriever CindyAn adopted Golden Retriever was honored last week by Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital for her excellence in service as a therapy dog.

Beth Crowley presented Cindy with the “Paws That Heal” award and her own R.N. pin. “From this time forward, Cindy is an honorary registered nurse,” said Crowley, who works in the hospital’s intermediate care nursery. “Thank you, Cindy, for your service. We love you.”

Crowley said her nursery cares for premature infants, and tactile stimulation is recommended to aid in brain development. Patient and submissive, Cindy sits quietly in the nursery as babies touch and feel her coat.

Adopted from Gold Ribbon Rescue by retired hospice nurse Suzanne Stanley, Cindy underwent extensive pet therapy training before embarking on her career. She regularly visits area schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Stanley was emotional at the award ceremony. “We don’t do this for glory,” she said. “We do it from our heart, so for her to be recognized is really special.”