How Bronson’s Pet Therapy Program Supports Health in Harmony

As Bronson celebrates 125 years of caring for patients and communities, its growing pet therapy program is bringing comfort, emotional support and moments of joy to patients, families and staff alike. 

Health in Harmony Through Pet Therapy

As Bronson Healthcare celebrates 125 years of caring for patients and communities, this year’s anniversary theme, “Health in Harmony,” reflects a broader vision of healing: one that supports not only physical health, but emotional and mental well-being too.

Few programs embody that idea more clearly than Bronson’s growing pet therapy program.

When Jesse walks through the hospital doors alongside his owner, Deana, patients smile, staff members pause their busy days and families gather for a moment of comfort and connection.

“It’s like a ray of sunshine walking into the room,” said Kandi Torres, manager of volunteer services at Bronson.

For nearly a year, Jesse and Deana have volunteered at Bronson Battle Creek, bringing moments of calm, joy and emotional relief to patients, visitors and healthcare workers throughout the hospital.

“People kept telling me, ‘You need to do therapy work with him,’” Deana said. “He’s always been sweet and gentle. He just loves people.”

Bringing Comfort and Connection

While pet therapy is often associated with patient care, Deana said some of the most meaningful interactions happen with healthcare workers themselves.

“When the staff sees him coming, they’ll get down on the floor with him and say, ‘You don’t know how much we needed this today,’” she said. “That’s really rewarding.”

According to Torres, those moments of connection reflect exactly why the program matters.

“Pet therapy alleviates stress, mental fatigue and loneliness,” Torres said. “And it’s not just for patients. It’s for staff and families too. Burnout is real in healthcare and having the dogs here has been tremendous.”

Research has shown that interacting with animals can help reduce stress and create feelings of comfort and calm, something Torres witnesses regularly throughout Bronson hospitals.

For patients facing long hospital stays or difficult diagnoses, visits from therapy dogs can offer a brief but meaningful escape from fear, uncertainty or isolation.

One moment especially stands out to Deana.

While visiting the emergency department, staff invited Jesse into a room where a tired mother sat beside her young daughter.

“When we walked in, both of their faces just lit up,” Deana said. “The mom even said, ‘Thank you.’ It was such a small moment, but you could tell it meant a lot.”

Other patients simply miss the comfort of their own pets at home.

“They always want to tell stories about their own dogs,” Deana said. “You hear, ‘I miss mine so much.’ Jesse gives them a little piece of that comfort back.”

Supporting Patients, Families and Staff

Torres believes that unconditional connection is what makes therapy animals so impactful in a healthcare setting.

“There’s no judgment,” she said. “The dogs don’t care why someone is here or what they’re going through. They just want to love and comfort people.”

That emotional connection aligns closely with Bronson’s “Health in Harmony” anniversary theme, which recognizes the importance of caring for the whole person: physically, emotionally and mentally.

“We here at Bronson can fix, but we can’t always fix what’s inside,” Torres said. “The dogs can help do that.”

For Deana, the impact of the program is visible every time Jesse walks through the hospital doors.

“It doesn’t matter who it is, patients, staff, security or paramedics,” she said. “He just brings people joy.”

And sometimes, in the middle of a difficult day, joy can be its own kind of healing.

The Future of Pet Therapy at Bronson

As Bronson celebrates its 125th anniversary, Torres believes the pet therapy program represents not only comfort and compassion in the present but also an important part of the organization’s future.

“We’re just getting started,” she said. “This celebration of 125 years is our kickoff.”

Torres hopes to continue expanding the program across Bronson facilities and into more departments, with goals of adding additional therapy teams, increasing patient visits and creating more opportunities for comfort throughout the healthcare system.

“The more teams we have, the more people we can reach,” she said.

Volunteer Services has already seen growing interest in the program, with additional therapy dog teams currently in the application process and plans to expand visits into more hospital units and community events.

“This is a new face of volunteer services,” Torres said. “It’s such an exciting time for the program.”

For individuals interested in becoming part of the pet therapy program, Torres encourages them to reach out to Bronson Volunteer Services.