Dog Therapy promotes social and emotional support provided by specially trained professionals, both the dogs and handlers. Dogs and handlers are scheduled regularly each month, primarily on Saturdays and evening hours.
Meet our special therapy dogs!
Breed: Golden Retriever
Born: December 28, 2005
Handler: Kathryn
"Visiting the Ronald McDonald House is such a rewarding experience for all those involved. As the child interacts with the dog, they almost immediately forget the pain they are in, the anxiety they feel, or the procedure they are about to undergo. The parents smile when they see the child’s enthusiasm as they giggle while the dog does a trick or rolls over for abelly rub." - Kathryn
Breed: Schiller Hound
Born: September 28, 2004
Handler: Teri
Breed: Australian Shepherd
Born: August 1, 2004
Handler: Carly
"I really like volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House because it gives you a chance to meet families in a more relaxed environment. Kids and parents walk through the living room and see Lucy and want to come and just hang on the couches for a bit. I love hear all the stories about where the families are from and what their pets are like back home. One of my favorite visits was with a mother and her two daughters. We all seemed to just click. They met Lucy inside and were giving her hugs and watched her do tricks. It was such a nice day out that we decided to go out in the garden. We all sat on some benches while Lucy enjoyed lying at our feet in the grass. The time flew by and we all talked for a long time about all the good things in our lives. The girls talked all about school and sports and I told them all about Lucy, my job, and my school. It was a wonderful afternoon." - Carly
Breed: Dachshund mix
Born: January 1, 2004
Handler: John
"One of Birdie's friends is Jane, a frequent guest at Ronald McDonald House. One evening a friend of Jane's was visiting with Birdie by the fireplace, she mentioned that Jane was not doing well today and probably was not up to leaving her room. Then Jane's mom arrived, she took a picture of Birdie with her phone and sent Birdie's picture up to Jane with a note that Birdie was sad not to be able to see Jane today. Sometime later Jane came down with a smile on her face and had another great visit with Birdie." - John
Breed: Labrador retriever
Born: April 10, 2007
Handler: Gwen
Click here to read a blog about Boone from Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.
Breed: Labrador retriever
Born: June 4, 2007
Handler: Gwen
"From the first time I walked thru the doors at RMH I knew that it would be the perfect place to start the therapy dog program and, continue the momentum of what we had started at Children's Hospital. The warm and inviting "just like home" sensation that you feel inside, couldn't be any better for a 4 legged friend to cozy up for some good ol' belly rubs! One of the first times that I brought Boone & Hoss for a visit I had a 9 year old guest curled up with her blanket and literally fall asleep sprawled across both Boone & Hoss....she had been very sick for the past couple days and her mom & dad had not seen her smile in days but......when she saw my boys those big beautiful brown eyes got as big as saucers and she came running and sat herself right down in between. She spent 20 minutes hugging, kissing & cuddling & then proceeded to read them a story from her book. I was so touched watching her read to them as she continued to pet going back and forth to make sure each dog got their fair share of petting. She finished the book, gave them a good night kiss and looked up at her parents and said "this is the best day ever"....her parents turned to me and said "yes the best day ever"! That's when she spread the blanket out and made a little sleeping area using Boone & Hoss as pillows and within about a minute she was sound asleep. As handlers, we know how our dogs can change a mood or a feeling but it is so wonderful to share that with parents and let them see first hand how our four legged pals can turn those frowns upside down!" -Gwen
Questions about becoming a handler and therapy dog?
Email Gwen our volunteer therapy dog coordinator.
View dog therapy procedures and requirements.
Visit these websites for more information on Dog Therapy!
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Mission/House Story
