Its hard to imagine a volunteer opportunity more rewarding than one that brings smiles to children who are seriously ill.
Just ask Denise Israel. Since December, Israel and her canine companion Samson McDoodle, a 60-pound Goldendoodle, have been visiting young patients through the pet therapy program at Miami Childrens Hospital.
“Its all about the pure and simple joy of sharing and connecting,” says Israel. “Its very fulfilling for everyone involved.”
Over the past 25 years, hundreds of volunteers like Israel and Samson have helped make the program a success.
“We now have 21 dogs, and offer pet therapy daily to patients ranging in age from birth to 21 years, says Lynn Heyman, director of community and volunteer resources at the hospital . The dogs run the gamut of ages, breeds, and circumstances from a Great Swiss Mountain named Chester who comes dressed in costume, to Lance, a Short-Haired Dachshund confined by paralysis to a wheelchair.
To qualify for the program, both the owners and their dogs go through a thorough approval process. The owners take part in an orientation, an interview, and a workshop that prepares them for working with children who are ill. Their dogs must be healthy and fully immunized, and certified through Therapy Dogs, Inc., an international organization that provides registration, insurance, and support to its members.
Denise Israel (left) and Samson visiting patients at Miami Childrens Hospital.
Israel says that to earn certification, the dogs must prove that they like human contact, and are well-mannered enough to not only be in a hospital setting, but also around other dogs. This is determined through a test, and three to four on-site visits where the dogs behavior is closely observed.
Israel notes that Samson has another credential a canine “good citizen” award. While the award is not mandatory to do pet therapy, it does put another feather in Samsons professional cap. “The dogs attend classes, which are offered at local community colleges,” says Israel. “Its basic obedience traininglearning to heel, stay, and pass by other dogs, for example –thats recognized by the American Kennel Club.”
When Israel first got Samson, pet therapy never crossed her mind. But when she saw how good he was with children, she says, “I knew he was meant to do this Hes sensitive to their feelings, and he doesnt bark, whine, or lick,” she adds. “Plus, he looks like a big, cuddly stuffed animal, which the kids love.”
Israel and Samson volunteer once a week, unless Israels job takes her out of town. Generally, she spends an hour or more doing her rounds, making both scheduled and random visits.
Watching the children light up when Samson enters the room is priceless, says Israel. “Some get up and hug him, others are just all smiles. I especially remember one little boy who was recovering from facial surgery He was absolutely beaming, and that made his mother ecstatically happy, too.”
Heyman says that pet therapy does benefit both patients and parents alike. “The purpose of our program is to bring unexpected joy and comfort to the children,” she explains. “When parents see that, when they see their kids laughing and having fun, they gain a sense of hope.”
At the end of each visit, Israel leaves a memento for each child: a small photo of Samson with a note that says something like, “Hi! Thank you for making my day special.”
Besides spreading cheer in the patient rooms, Israel and Samson stop in the areas where parents are anxiously waiting for their children to come out of surgery. They round, too, with the nurses. Additionally, once a year, the hospital hosts a “Pet Therapy Day,” so that all employees can experience the program.
Israels passion for dogs, children, and her community drew her to volunteer at Miami Childrens. “Its been so enriching,” she says. “Giving in this way has made me feel connected to others Its also tightened the bond between me and Samson. Seeing him in this new role has definitely strengthened our relationship.”
Its hard to imagine a volunteer opportunity more rewarding than one that brings smiles to children who are seriously ill. 
