NMC has a team of pet therapy volunteers who help the organization bring comfort to those who are in our care. We interviewed them to learn more about the great work they do and their wonderful canine companions. 

 

Michael & Lemmy

 

Quick facts:

How old is Lemmy?
Lemmy will turn 5 on Sep-15^th

What breed is he?
Pure-bred English Black Lab

What is his favorite treat? 
Freeze dried liver, he does EVERYTHING for it

What is his favorite toy/ activity when home? 
He loves to retrieve his rubber donut disk we throw down our yard because each time he will be rewarded with a quarter inch of a chewed off string cheese

 

Q&A With Michael and Lemmy:

Q: What made you interested in being a pet therapy volunteer? 

A: It started with just doing some extra training for our dog Lemmy. We then went through a certification process which took place at Elderwood, a Long-Term Care facility in the Old North End. Being able to witness how much joy it brought to those in long-term care, some of whom hadn’t been visited in months, was an unforgettable experience. It was amazing to give back to the community.

Q: How long have you and Lemmy been volunteers? 

A: We started at NMC in January of 2024

Q: Can you describe one of your favorite experiences you’ve had when being a pet therapy volunteer?

A: We love visiting the staff, because they all know him and many say it made their day. A few weeks ago, an elderly patient we visited had just lost her dog and tears were rolling down her cheeks when Lemmy came up to her, looked at her with his brown melting eyes and put his head onto her lap. The heartfelt joy Lemmy brought to this lady was a stark reminder to myself how blessed my wonderful life has been so far and how thankful I can be for that.

Q: What are the top 3 fun facts you’d like to share about you or Lemmy? 

A:

• He is not a cuddler, when he is allowed to jump into the bed in the morning, he licks & scratches us until we get up, 3 seconds later he lays completely still
• Lemmy loves to steal socks, gloves and hats, just to lay on them, never destroys them
• When Lemmy sees a body of water on our hikes, a lake or a stream, he looks at us until we say: “Lemmy, you want to swim?” and then charges into the water, even if there is a thin layer of ice.

 

Manon & Charlie

“Becoming a pet therapy team with my dog has been one of the most fulfilling and heartwarming experiences of my life. It allows Charlie and I to bring comfort and joy to others. In a way, giving back to the community.” – Manon

 

 

Quick facts:

How old is Charlie?
Charlie is 4 years old

What breed is he?
Charlie is a Goldendoodle

What’s his favorite treat?
Charlie’s favorite treats are cashews, cheese and peperoni.

What is his favorite toy/ activity when home?
Charlie loves stuffed animals. He also loves coffee, playing in the mud and riding in the side by side.

 

Q&A With Manon & Charlie:

Q: What made you interested in being a pet therapy volunteer? 

A: My son had surgery at UVMMC 15 years ago, and while we were there, he had a visit from a pet therapy team. To see the joy on my son’s face was so wonderful, erasing all the pain he had been through for many hours. The idea of doing this when I retired started to take place in my brain. At the time, Charlie wasn’t in my life and I wasn’t ready to retire. I am still working full time, but I found a way to  do it.

Q: How long have you and Charlie been volunteers? 

A: Charlie and I have been a pet therapy team for a little over one year now. Charlie loves this, he is eager to go do his round every time. He cannot stop wagging his tail and I am happy to meet new people all the time.

Q: Can you describe one of your favorite experiences you’ve had when being a pet therapy volunteer?

A: It’s hard to choose one, but I love when the patient tells me that Charlie is putting some sunshine in their day. This happens every time. People are happy to see us, and Charlie feels it. His tail is a real barometer. I think he is saying: Bring it on! This makes me happy too.

 

Colleen & Brynn

 

Quick facts:

How old is Brynn?
Brynn is 12 1/2 years old

What breed is Brynn?
Goldendoodle

What is your Brynn’s favorite treat? 
Full Moon Chicken Strips

What is Brynn’s favorite toy/ activity when home? 
Brynn loves to be outdoors

 

Q&A With Colleen and Brynn:

Q: What made you interested in being a pet therapy volunteer? 

A: I wanted to share my sweet pup with someone who might need a pick-me-up, a smile or a bit of needed comfort.

Q: How long have you and Brynn been volunteers? 

A: 10 1/2 years

Q: Can you describe one of your favorite experiences you’ve had when being a pet therapy volunteer?

A: Brynn and I were visiting PCU and asked to go into a room. The daughter said that her father had not spoken in days but we were welcome to come in. After entering the room, the father saw Brynn and his eyes lit up. The nurse gave permission for Brynn to get on the bed and the father talked to Brynn about all of the dogs he had ever owned, right down to the color. There was not a dry eye in the room.

Q: What are the top 3 fun facts you’d like to share about you or Brynn? 

A:

• Brynn loves going on therapy visits
• Brynn loves a good nap
• We both love to kayak together on Metcalf Pond