You Won't Believe How 100 Stormont-Vail Volunteers Are Changing Lives—Find Out How You Can Help!

In Topeka, Kansas, the presence of animals can transform the atmosphere of a hospital, infusing it with warmth and comfort when patients need it most. At Stormont-Vail Health, a dedicated group of volunteers known as the “Paw Squad” is making a meaningful impact by bringing therapy dogs to individuals facing serious health challenges.

Among the many four-legged helpers is Gunnar, an 11-year-old Labrador retriever whose journey is one of remarkable survival. His handler, Tina Frye, taught him a unique trick—smiling—which inadvertently led to the detection of cancer in his mouth. The necessary surgery removed about half of his lower jaw, leaving him with a distinctive appearance; Gunnar now has one tooth on one side and six on the other, causing much of his tongue to protrude. His unique smile has become a comforting sight for those he visits.

“The most rewarding place that we visit here on the Paw Squad is the cancer center. With him being a cancer survivor, they relate well with him,” Frye explained. This connection is crucial, especially in a place where patients often feel isolated by their diagnoses.

The Paw Squad at Stormont-Vail consists of 26 certified therapy dogs and their handlers, all trained to provide emotional support. These visits are not limited to a specific department; they reach various clinics and hospital floors, allowing patients and staff alike to experience the love and comfort that therapy animals can offer. According to Shannon McMahon, the volunteer relations coordinator, the dogs are available for visits two hours a day. “They come to all of our departments and clinics and up on the floors,” she said.

Patients can request a visit from the Paw Squad through their nursing staff. Once the attending physician approves, the team assesses which patients might benefit from some canine affection. “By alleviating that stress, you have the opportunity to heal—you’re able to focus on feeling better. And so the dogs give you that chance to let go,” McMahon noted.

The process of becoming a therapy dog isn’t easy. Each dog must undergo a rigorous certification process through Pet Partners, which must be renewed every two years. “There is a little bit to get in here, but it’s worth it. Everybody who comes in here, they don’t ever leave unless they move, so I think that speaks to it,” McMahon shared, highlighting the bond formed between patients and their furry visitors.

Although research on the specific benefits of therapy animals is relatively new, studies indicate that these animals can help lower stress levels and provide comfort during difficult times. Frye emphasized the importance of these moments: “For just a moment in time, they get to forget about what they’re dealing with. They get to forget about the cancer diagnosis or the divorce or whatever they’re dealing with at that moment; they get to forget about it while they’re loving on these dogs.”

As the Paw Squad continues to grow in popularity at Stormont-Vail Health, its impact is clear. Therapy dogs like Gunnar have transcended their roles as mere pets, becoming vital parts of the healing process for patients navigating life’s toughest challenges. The importance of such initiatives underscores a broader trend in healthcare: the recognition that emotional well-being plays an essential role in physical recovery.

By fostering connections that reduce anxiety and promote joy, therapy animals prove that sometimes, the best medicine comes with a wagging tail and a warm, comforting presence.