Pet Therapy
Being in the hospital can be a stressful time for you and your family. To make your stay at Bronson the best it can be, we offer pet therapy by request. Our talented and specially trained canine volunteers help bring comfort and smiles everywhere they go.
Pet therapy has been shown to provide several benefits for patients. It can:
- Provide distraction from pain and anxiety
- Alleviate sadness and depression
- Encourage healing
- Promote physical activity
- Enhance physical rehabilitation and speech therapy
- Reduce blood pressure
Meet our furry friends
Our pet therapy program began in the pediatric unit at Bronson Methodist Hospital more than 20 years ago. Due to overwhelming success, you can now request a visit from our furry friends in several units at Bronson LakeView, Bronson Battle Creek and Bronson Methodist hospitals.
Meet Annie
Breed: Shih Tzu Poodle mix
Volunteer since: 2012
Volunteers with: Rich
Certification: Canine Good Citizen
Location: Bronson Methodist Hospital
Fun Facts:
- Loves to box
- Loves to be held
- Loves a crowd
Meet Brandy
Breed: Dachshund Cocker mix
Volunteer since: 2011
Volunteers with: Jeanne
Certification: Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dogs International
Location: Bronson Methodist Hospital
Fun Facts:
- Was a street dog in Cabo San Lucus, then was rescued and sent by plane to the Kalamazoo SPCA
- Is a Reading Therapy dog who listens politely while children read stories to her
Meet Cash
Breed: Bernese Mountain Dog
Volunteer since: 2015
Volunteers with: Teresa
Certification: Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dogs International
Location: Bronson Methodist Hospital
Fun Facts:
- AKC Champion show dog with 4 obedience titles
- Loves to swim and jump off the diving board into the pool
- Lives on a farm with 2 other dogs, 2 horses, 3 cats, a bunny and a bird
Meet Crystal
Breed: Samoyed
Volunteer since: 2018
Volunteers with: Carol
Certification: Therapy Dog International
Location: Bronson Battle Creek
Fun Facts:
- Therapy dog for ten years
- Retired sled dog
- Weight pull champion
Meet Finn
Breed: Border Collie Mix
Volunteer since: 2018
Volunteers with: Jason
Certification: Therapy Dogs International
Location: Bronson Methodist Hospital
Fun Facts:
- Does tricks like “give five” and hugs
- Enjoys mountain biking with Jason
- Loves car rides and sticking his head out the window
Meet Lilah
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Volunteer since: 2014
Volunteers with: Cathi
Certification: Canine Good Citizen
Membership: TDI
Location: Bronson Methodist Hospital
Fun Facts:
- Loves to “Stop, Drop and Roll”
- Was bred to be a Leader Dog for the Blind
- Loves to have her belly rubbed
Meet Lyric
Breed: Old English Sheepdog
Volunteer since: 2017
Volunteers with: Paula and Cliff
Membership: Alliance of Therapy Dogs
Location: Bronson Methodist Hospital
Fun Facts:
- Lyric is a retired champion show dog
- Likes to play hide and seek
- Falls asleep in the bathtub
Meet Lulu
Breed: Shih Tzu
Volunteer since: 2017
Volunteers with: Mary
Certification: Alliance of Therapy Dogs
Location: Bronson Methodist Hospital
Fun Facts:
- Favorite toy is a teddy bear pillow, which is almost bigger than she is
- Loves to fly on airplanes to visit family
- Doesn’t like the rain, she hides in a closet and looks at the ceiling
Meet Mr. Schultz
Breed: Giant Schnauzer
Volunteer since: 2015
Volunteers with: Susan
Certification: Canine Good Citizen
Membership: Pet Partners
Location: Bronson Lakeview Hospital
Fun Facts:
- Can flip a dog treat off his nose and catch it in his mouth
- Loves to fetch tennis balls thrown in the lake
- Is a strong swimmer, but has to relearn how to swim every spring
Meet Sparty
Breed: Greyhound
Volunteer since: 2016
Volunteers with: Jerry and Shannon
Certification: Canine Good Citizen
Membership: Therapy Dogs International
Location: Bronson Battle Creek and Bronson Methodist Hospital
Fun Facts:
- A retired racing dog, runs at 45 mph
- Makes new friends at Bronson, nursing homes and schools
- Loves peanut butter, squeaky toys and napping upside down
Meet Teddy
Breed: Shih Tzu Poodle mix
Volunteer since: 2014
Volunteers with: Andrea
Certification: Canine Good Citizen
Location: Bronson Methodist Hospital
Fun Facts:
- Knows a lot of tricks like “high 5,” “dance” and “take a bow”
- Eats fresh vegetables every day
- Helps find his doggy “sister” wherever she hides, inside or outside
Meet Truman
Breed: Newfoundland
Volunteer since: 2015
Volunteers with: Sue
Certification: Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dogs Inc.
Location: Bronson Methodist Hospital
Fun Facts:
- Loves to swim, pull a cart and do therapy work
- Enjoys being in the dog show ring and is a champion
- Thinks broccoli is a treat
- Loves playing tug and fetch
Meet Winter
Breed: Giant Schnauzer
Volunteer since: 2013
Volunteers with: Sue
Certification: Canine Good Citizen and Pet Partners
Location: Bronson Lakeview Hospital
Fun Facts:
- Was rescued from a shelter in Arkansas
- Loves Nylabones, agility class and playing with her puppy sibling
- Can flip a dog treat off her nose and catch it in her mouth
