Fellow Coronado animals, I am Toffee, a candidate for Coronado Animal Mayor, but also a Therapy Dog for Sharp Coronado Hospital, Villa, and Sub-Acute Care Unit. I find it extremely rewarding. My job there is to visit these places and get pats and loves from everyone. I have had several heart-melting experiences doing this for the last 15 months. Last summer, a child came in who had been stung by a stingray. It looked like the barb was still in her foot, which is probably why she was in the Emergency Room instead of being treated by the lifeguards. She was scared, in pain, and bewildered. I solicited her pats and did my little dance trick for her and managed to get a smile. My heart ended up as a puddle on the floor! In the hospital, several patients have told me, “Thank you so much for visiting. I miss my own dog so much.” It is so wonderful to be able to give them a moment or two to forget their illness or pain and enjoy the feel of fur and warmth. I remember a gentleman, looking longingly at me, being wheeled in from an ambulance by paramedics. The paramedics lowered his gurney so that he could pat me. As I was leaving, I overheard him say, “I think I feel better already.” At the hospital, often a nurse, doctor or staff member will pat or hug me and say, “I really needed this today.” Melting heart again and again. But each time my heart melts, it seems to grow larger.
Any animal can help humans. Therapy dogs are one avenue. Other pets can visit, with their humans, schools, day care centers, and retirement homes. chemo or dialysis wings, hospice residents. The opportunities go on and on. The key is to match yourself and your human to the situation. Can you let children interact with you, or would it be better to let your human show you off, like maybe showing a pet snake to elementary school children, or perhaps just to be read to?
If your humans are interested, there are several Therapy Dog organizations. For other species, other options are checking with schools and teachers, and retirement homes. You’ll think of some more. Make sure your species fits the situation and look for organizations which will certify you or give you guidance. Just Google “therapy (whatever your species is).”
We all love our humans. Let’s help them all we can!
VOL. 116, NO. 25 – June 24, 2026