Edward Hospital Goes to the Dogs

When Roxie came into Rebecca Smith’s life, the Lockport resident knew the dog’s disposition would make her a great therapy dog. 

Smith worked with Roxie, a rat-terrier mix, for two years before applying to . Smith and her dog were on hand Monday as the hospital celebrated the 10th Anniversary of its therapy program, which allows a select group of dogs and their owners to make visits to patients. 

“I love it,” Smith said. “It’s a great way to help the community out.”

She recalled a visit she and Roxie made at the pediatric emergency room with a boy who had a significant gash on his leg. The dog sat with him for about 45 minutes as the doctor stitched up the boy’s leg.

“Half-way through he was sweating and crying, she [Roxie] turned to face him and put her paw on him as if she could sense his pain,” Smith said. “It was like she was saying ‘It’s ok.’ He said, ‘I think she understands.’” 

When the program began, Patty Kaplan, the hospital's director of Animal-Assisted Therapy, said she had no idea it would snowball the way it has. 

“I never anticipated how big it would be today,” she said.

and the community have embraced the program, she said. With the recent addition of some new teams, the program now has 95 teams representing 46 breeds. Over the last 10 years the dogs and their owners have made more than 120,000 visits. 

Jean Buending of Woodridge knew she wanted to be a part of the program and when she adopted her dog Muskie, she made sure he received the training needed to be a successful therapy dog.

“I love seeing the faces of the people, not only the staff, but the patients, when we walk down the hall,” Buending said. “Everyone smiles. One of the biggest joys in my life is doing this.”