News Summary
Roux, a certified therapy dog, visits Sharp Coronado Hospital every Thursday, providing emotional support to patients and staff. Her presence brings joy and comfort, especially to those facing challenging times. Over six months of dedicated visits, Roux has shown her ability to connect with patients, alleviating stress and fostering a sense of community within the hospital. This initiative highlights the growing trend of using therapy dogs in healthcare, showcasing the positive impact of animal interactions on emotional well-being.
Coronado, California – A fluffy Golden Retriever named Roux is bringing joy and comfort to patients at Sharp Coronado Hospital every Thursday afternoon. Roux, who is a certified therapy dog, visits the hospital under the care of her handler and teammate, Stephani Kuperschmid. This initiative aims to provide emotional support to both patients and hospital staff during challenging times.
Roux has been sharing her comforting presence at the hospital for the past six months. Her training to become a therapy dog began when Stephani joined Love on a Leash, a therapy dog certification organization. Roux’s ability to connect with people and provide solace has been invaluable in a healthcare setting, especially during her visits to areas like the Emergency Room, where patients often experience stress and anxiety.
Wearing a bright blue therapy dog vest that designates her as a certified therapy animal, Roux starts her visits by greeting hospital staff and patients in need. She gently uses her soft muzzle to poke into hospital beds and is encouraged to place her paws on the bed when invited by patients. This interaction is not only uplifting for patients but also extends to their family members, who often find comfort in Roux’s calming presence.
Roux has been trained to approach patients in wheelchairs from the side to ensure safe interactions. This careful approach is part of the training therapy dogs receive to make sure every visit is both enjoyable and safe for everyone involved. Therapy dogs come in various breeds, sizes, and genders, but they all share a common passion for human interaction. They must also pass the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Canine Good Citizen test to be certified as therapy dogs.
At Sharp Coronado Hospital, Roux is part of a dedicated team, one of three pet therapy teams providing emotional support through canine companionship. The work of therapy dogs like Roux not only helps alleviate stress but also fosters a sense of community within the hospital environment. The therapeutic benefits provided by these animals have been recognized widely, contributing to the positive atmosphere within healthcare facilities.
Individuals who have certified pets and are interested in volunteering as therapy teams at the hospital are encouraged to reach out to Volunteer Services. They can contact the department via email at [email protected] or call at 619-522-3675. This initiative allows more pets to join the effort in providing comfort and joy to those in need, further enhancing the support system available at Sharp Coronado Hospital.
Bringing therapy dogs into hospitals represents a growing trend in healthcare that recognizes the positive impacts of animal interactions on emotional well-being. As people seek comfort in difficult situations, therapy dogs like Roux are making a significant difference, one visit at a time.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Sharp Coronado Hospital Expands Pharmacy Services
Local Occupational Therapist Launches Specialized Clinic in Coronado
Coronado Honors Exceptional Employees at CUSD Board Meeting
Additional Resources
- Coronado News
- Wikipedia: Therapy Dog
- Times-Herald
- Google Search: therapy dogs
- People
- Google Scholar: therapy dogs
- 13WHAM
- Encyclopedia Britannica: therapy dogs
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
