Sally and Bob Goldman Therapy Dog Program

Here to Serve and Love

Henry Ford Health’s National Award-Winning therapy dog program is comprised of facility-owned dogs and owner-handled pet therapy teams.

Our facility dogs include Bravo and Josie (Yellow Labradors); George, Buddy, Hank, Envy and Gilbert (Golden Retrievers); and Ace (a Goldendoodle and our first rescue). In addition, approximately 40 volunteer pet therapy teams visit patients, visitors, and employees as part of our furry team. Our dogs come in all shapes and sizes!

Patients and visitors are also invited to take home therapy dog trading cards from any dogs visiting that day.

Our therapy dog program supports Detroit Hospital, West Bloomfield Hospital, and Maplegrove rehabilitation center. Occasionally, our pet therapy teams also visit surrounding Henry Ford Health medical centers. Knowing the power of a dog visit, our goal is to provide therapy dog services to as many patients, guests, visitors and team members as we possibly can!

If you are interested in learning how you and your certified therapy dog can experience the rewards in becoming a part of our therapy dog volunteer program, please contact Keith Fishman, our Therapy Dog Program Coordinator, at (248) 366-7848 or kfishma2@HFHS.org.

Benefits of Therapy Dogs:

• Reduce anxiety of patients and family members: Research indicates therapy dogs can lower blood pressure, reduce feelings of loneliness, and minimize stress among hospitalized patients.
• Reduce staff stress: Studies have found that interacting with a therapy dog can help re-energize and motivate hospital staff.
• Interact with patients to aid in speech therapy.
• Make longer-term patients feel more at home.
• Educate children about dog safety.
• Provide a morale-boost, hospital wide.