{"id":219024,"date":"2026-03-14T02:25:13","date_gmt":"2026-03-14T02:25:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/219024\/"},"modified":"2026-03-14T02:25:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-14T02:25:13","slug":"beloved-facility-dog-zeta-celebrated-at-retirement-pawty-after-bringing-smiles-hope-to-patients-at-miller-childrens-womens-hospital","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/219024\/","title":{"rendered":"Beloved facility dog Zeta celebrated at retirement \u201cPawty\u201d after bringing smiles, hope to patients at Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital"},"content":{"rendered":"

Zeta, the first facility dog at Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital<\/a>, was celebrated during a retirement event hosted by the Pediatric Rehab Therapies Department, part of the Rehabilitation Center<\/a>. Zeta will officially retire on March 12 after more than seven years supporting pediatric patients through animal\u2011assisted therapy.<\/p>\n

Since her start in November 2018, Zeta has participated in 3,000 goal\u2011directed animal\u2011assisted therapy sessions, supporting more than 600 unique pediatric patients. Working alongside Shelly Forcier, an occupational therapist with 30 years of service, the duo supported children undergoing rehabilitation by encouraging participation, building confidence and helping patients engage more fully in therapy.<\/p>\n

Animal\u2011assisted therapy is a specialized, evidence\u2011based approach that integrates trained animals into clinical care to support physical, cognitive and emotional goals. In a children\u2019s hospital setting, facility dogs can help ease anxiety, motivate participation in rehabilitation therapy, and create a sense of safety and normalcy for children facing illness or injury. Dedicated facility dog programs, such as the one at Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital, are uniquely designed for pediatric patients and embedded directly into clinical care teams.<\/p>\n

\u201cShelly helped create a program that reduced anxiety, increased engagement, improved clinical outcomes and brought comfort and joy to so many patients, their families and even the clinicians at Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital,\u201d said Stacie Ritchie, manager, Pediatric Rehabilitation Therapies, Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital. \u201cZeta, our first ever facility dog, was not just a comforting presence \u2014 she was a clinical partner. Because of this work, we are better clinicians, better team members and a stronger organization.\u201d<\/p>\n

The dog\u2011themed retirement celebration, or \u201cPawty,\u201d included a slideshow highlighting Zeta\u2019s work in therapy sessions, stations for care team members and families to sign farewell cards, a dog bandana\u2011making activity, and toys and treats gifted to Zeta for her retirement.<\/p>\n

As part of the celebration, Ritchie performed a ceremonial \u201clast call\u201d for Forcier and Zeta. Instead of heading off to work, the pair walked through a tunnel formed by members of the rehabilitation team, who cheered them on with handmade signs, pom\u2011poms and bubble guns in recognition of their years of service and impact.<\/p>\n

During the event, Forcier also signed an adoption certificate, officially welcoming Zeta home as a family member. Previously partnered through Canine Companions, Zeta will now transition from working facility dog to full\u2011time companion with Forcier and her family.<\/p>\n

Zeta is known for engaging patients through therapeutic play, including games such as tug\u2011of\u2011war, bowling, volleyball, and interactive activities that support physical, cognitive, and emotional rehabilitation goals. When not actively working in therapy sessions, she often provided comfort through quiet bedside companionship.<\/p>\n

Zeta\u2019s retirement coincides with the retirement of Forcier, who concludes a 30\u2011year career with the Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital. Together, they helped establish and expand Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Facility Dog Program, known as the Dogtor Squad<\/a>. Following Zeta\u2019s retirement on March 12, the program will continue with Karat, Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s newest facility dog who began service in May 2024.<\/p>\n

While retiring from her role as a facility dog, Zeta is expected to transition from a Canine Companions facility dog to a Canine Companions therapy dog, allowing Zeta and Forcier to continue serving Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital as a volunteer team with a special focus on staff support. In retirement, Zeta will also enjoy traveling with Forcier and her family and spending time outdoors, including visits to the dog beach and local parks.<\/p>\n

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