Meet Our Volunteer Therapy Dogs
Frannie
Despite her difficult past, Frannie has a gentle spirit and a special affinity for people, especially seniors. This led Linda to explore pet therapy, initially considering nursing home visits. When she learned that Mount Nittany Medical Center was launching a pet therapy program, she knew it was the perfect opportunity to expand Frannie’s reach. Now, the duo brings comfort at Mount Nittany Medical Center and in other care settings.
Frannie is a registered therapy dog with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and takes her work seriously, but she also enjoys her downtime. True to her Labrador nature, she takes great pride in keeping Linda’s yard free of birds, squirrels, rabbits, and chipmunks before settling in for a well-earned nap and dreams of dinner.
Trooper
Trooper is loved by Sandy Erwin and Annette Hestre, who both serve as his certified handlers. He enjoys a variety of activities, including watching birds, going on hikes, playing fetch in the park with his ball, and solving puzzles, demonstrating his intelligence and curiosity. His favorite foods are cheese and dog-friendly ice cream, and he loves in spending time with his canine friends.
Trooper’s journey to becoming a therapy dog began after Sandy experienced the calming presence of a therapy dog during a family member’s hospital stay. Inspired by that moment, Sandy and Annette pursued therapy dog certification to offer others the same sense of comfort and relief. Together with Trooper, they are now each a Certified Therapy Dog Team, committed to providing comfort and companionship to those in need.
Mulligan
Mulligan thrives in social settings. “He’s happiest when he’s surrounded by people,” said Dr. Charles. “Whether he’s at a festival, sporting event, or even just being groomed, he loves every bit of attention he gets.” Mulligans favorite activities include swimming, hiking, and of course, receiving affection. Popcorn is his favorite snack.
“From the time Mulligan was little, he has loved people and is very gentle with them,” said Dr. Charles. “He has a very calm demeanor and is not scared of things that can sometimes make dogs skittish, like loud noises or sudden movements. Lots of people who met him suggested that he would make a good therapy dog.” When Dr. Charles discovered Mount Nittany Health’s Pet Therapy Program, it seemed like a perfect fit. “I knew Mulligan had the temperament for it, so we started his training, and he passed with flying colors, He absolutely loves his work.”
Millie
Millee is a sheltiepoo – a cross between a Shetland sheepdog (commonly referred to as a sheltie) and a miniature poodle, and weighs 14 pounds. She will be two years old on January 31st. Millie’s owner is Julie Reed, Registrar/Scheduler, Mount Nittany Health Internal Medicine.
“Millie is an intelligent, independent ball of energy who loves people, attention, playing ball, riding in the car, chew-toys, and jerky treats. All of this, of course, in addition to being a serious working therapy dog,” said Julie.
Once Millee’s vest goes on, she knows she is working and appears to take extraordinary pride in what she does. Prancing from patient to patient, Millee is very attentive to her handler for instruction while volunteering. She can keenly sense which patients need extra love and attention.
Cooper
Cooper is a gentle golden retriever who recently turned four-years-old. Over the summer, he completed seven weeks of basic obedience training and seven weeks of agility training. His human was inspired to certify him as a volunteer therapy dog after reading an article in the local paper about the benefits of pet therapy and its implementation at Bellwood Elementary School. Cooper received his therapy dog certification through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs in September.
In addition to bringing smiles and joy to patients at Mount Nittany Medical Center, Cooper regularly visits a veteran’s affairs home, Blair Senior Services, H.O.P.E Drop-In Center, Penn State Altoona, Mount Aloysius College, Altoona Area High School, Penn Lincoln School, Hollidaysburg High School, and several local churches. In January, his services will also extend to Bellwood Elementary School where he will provide a calming presence for schoolchildren who are learning to read.
When he is not busy serving the community, Cooper loves his ball, his stuffed duck, and his stuffed bear. He also loves bacon, but he only gets it when he is training. He is a very good boy who adores all people and loves being petted.
Connor
Connor is a six-year-old Scottish terrier. He has worked as a therapy dog for almost four years at the Bellefonte Library and in the Bellefonte Area School District. “Connor is a busy boy with scent, rally, agility, and therapy work,” said Cheryl Fugate, Connor and Faolin’s handler, Therapy Dog International Certifier, Mount Nittany Health volunteer. “Connor lives at home with his brother and two sisters, who are all Scotties. They love running and hunting for critters together, and trying to steal vegetables from the garden.”
Daisy
Daisy is certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, an international registry of certified therapy dog teams that provides testing, certification, registration, support, and insurance for members who volunteer with their dogs in animal-assisted activities. She is also the spokes-pup for the Jared Box Project – a local, non-profit organization that helps bring the gift of play to children in hospitals.
When Daisy is volunteering, heartwarming moments are bound to happen. Mandy shared that the pair recently visited an office to decrease stress and boost morale when Daisy was drawn to one gentleman in particular.
“I thought maybe he had some bacon in his pocket,” joked Mandy. “It turned out that his family dog had just passed away the weekend before and he hadn’t told any of his co-workers yet. Thankfully, having Daisy there seemed to create a comforting space for him to talk about it. She has a knack for knowing where she’s needed most.”
Baily
Baily is an eight-year-old mini American shepherd, born on April Fools’ Day. His family adopted him after his previous owner passed away unexpectedly. He has two canine sisters, also both mini American shepherds. His life is filled with constant play, ball catching, and plenty of squirrel chasing.
“Baily is a herding breed, trained in multiple activities such as agility, scent work, coursing, fast cat, rally, and obedience,” said Cindy Lorenzo, Baily’s handler and Mount Nittany Health volunteer. “He is also a trained therapy dog who loves people and can sense those in need of comfort. I often tell people that therapy dogs are not trained, they are born that way.”
As a therapy dog, Baily works at the Bellefonte Library in the Tail Waggin’ Tutors reading program, visits various schools in the Bellefonte Area School District, volunteers with the Tides support program, and is now proud to serve Mount Nittany Health as a canine volunteer.