Therapy Dogs Visit Staff, Patients At Blake Medical Center

BRADENTON, FL — Frontline health care workers and patients at Blake Medical Center in Bradenton enjoyed a visit from some special guests Tuesday morning: three Southeastern Guide Dog ambassadors offering them some a pet therapy break.

“We are blessed to have Southeastern Guide Dogs right here in Manatee County, and we greatly appreciate their generosity in coming out to give our hardworking caregivers a special visit,” Randy Currin, president and CEO of Blake Medical Center, said. “It’s wonderful to see the joy on people’s faces when they engage with the dogs. After the intensity of the past year, it’s especially meaningful to see our caregivers relax and enjoy the peaceful joy these ambassador dogs bring.”

Tiffany Shanks, director of surgical services, added, “All patients and caregivers need things that can bring peace and happiness into the day. During the pandemic, some patients have had to come to the hospital without their loved ones at their side, and staff have had to work through one of the toughest times in healthcare. A smile is worth a thousand words, and these dogs gave caregivers smiles today that they will carry them through the shift and affect everyone they come into contact with.”

Muffy Levans, media relations manager for Southeastern Guide Dogs, said the organization was “thrilled to share some puppy love with” Blake’s staff and patients.

“Just seeing or petting a dog can be calming for most people, which is why Ambassador visits like this are so important. Every dog from Southeastern Guide Dogs has a purpose, whether they’re a guide dog for the visually impaired, a service dog for a veteran with PTSD, or an ambassador helping to spread awareness of our mission,” she said.

Southeastern Guide Dogs, based in Palmetto, uses its ambassador dog program to connect with the community. There are about 40 ambassador teams throughout Florida, Georgia, Texas and Virginia, according to a flyer for potential ambassador handlers. These ambassador pups and their handlers visit hospitals, hospices, schools, universities, business organizations, civic clubs, retirement communities, golf tournaments, Southeastern Guide Dogs fundraisers and other events.