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Pet Therapy Dog - Wheezy

USA Health Magazine: Good boys & girls

Good boys & girls

By Lindsay Hughes
[email protected]

This story was originally featured in the Spring 2025 edition of the USA Health magazine.

On a weekday afternoon, you might spot Karl the cat wearing a harness while confidently trotting down the hall of University Hospital, or Emmie the golden retriever excitedly wagging her tail in the elevator at Children’s & Women’s Hospital. They’re on their way to visit patients as part of USA Health’s pet therapy program.

In order to volunteer, the animals and their handlers go through special education and training with Pet Partners. Once registered, the teams are deployed in the hospitals, where they bring joy, comfort and unconditional love to patients of all ages.

Meet some of our pet therapy team

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USA Health Magazine: Back on the court
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USA Health Magazine: Back on the court

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Upcoming Events

Apr62025

The annual reunion for children cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Children's & Women's Hospital is planned for Sunday, April 6, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. All NICU graduates, their families and former caregivers are invited.

Apr222025

An educational program for oncology patients, caregivers, and the community. Meetings are located in the second-floor multipurpose room at the Mitchell Cancer Institute.

May42025

Local Goodness, presented by the USA Foundation, is a farm-to-table event that pays tribute to local cuisine and music while raising awareness and support for USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital.

Dec312025

Our calendar lists special events and regularly scheduled classes separately. To display a list of upcoming classes, select the "Classes" option above or visit Events, Classes and Support Groups at USA Health.

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