By Shea Wright 

Sometimes, the best kind of medicine comes from the comforting presence of a friendly face and a wagging tail.  

Two “dog-ters” have been responsible for delivering this special care at VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) thanks to VCU’s Center for Human Animal Interaction (CHAI) Dogs on Call program. The therapy dog program encourages “paws-itive” energy to enhance the wellbeing of patients, staff, and college students through canine-assisted interventions. 

Karen Walsh and her 5-year-old golden retriever, Harbor, are the newest additions to the Dogs on Call team at CMH, and they have quickly become a beloved duo. Harbor, known for her gentle and affectionate nature, is a welcomed weekly addition to the hospital corridors.  

Since joining the program in February, Karen and Harbor have already logged several hours bringing smiles and relief to both patients and hospital staff. They typically visit CMH once a week, sometimes more when extra support is needed. On average, they connect with up to 10 patients, staff members, and departments each visit. 

“The moment I grab her harness and leash in the morning, she’s ready to go,” said Walsh, who also volunteers part time at the CMH registration desk. "Harbor seems to sense when someone needs comfort — she’ll walk right up to them, lean in, and suddenly, you can see the stress melt away. It’s amazing how much a few minutes with a therapy dog can lift someone’s spirits, and I’m honored to share that with the CMH community.”  

Harbor joins Leroy, a 10-year-old dachshund, Jack Russell and Yorkshire terrier mix, whose owner is Brenda Palmore, vice president of operations at CMH. Palmore and Leroy can often be found in the evenings administering love to patients and at hospital events, ensuring that at least one therapy dog is available to help ease stress and brighten spirits. 

Leroy, a therapy dog part of the Dogs on Call program, visits team members at VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital. (Brenda Palmore, VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital)

Therapy dogs like Harbor and Leroy have a special role at CMH that goes beyond friendly cuddles. The program is structured in a way that requires dedication from both the volunteer handlers and their dogs. Handlers are trained to carefully guide their dogs through patient rooms, respecting boundaries and ensuring their visits are comfortable and welcoming.  

“I've seen first-hand how the presence of therapy dogs can brighten someone’s day, ease anxiety, and even improve patient outcomes. Growing the Dogs on Call program at CMH aligns with our commitment to holistic care — supporting not just physical health, but emotional well-being too. We’re thrilled to welcome another four-legged friend to the team,” Palmore said.  

Animal-assisted intervention can help reduce pain 

Patients facing acute care issues, whether recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or undergoing treatment, can also benefit greatly from therapy dogs. 

Studies show that just 10-minutes spent with animal-assisted therapy can help relieve a patient's pain in the emergency room setting while also helping to lower blood pressure. 

For many patients at CMH, a visit from Harbor or Leroy is a bright spot in their day — a welcome distraction from medical procedures and a reminder that healing isn’t just about medicine, but also about emotional well-being. 

"It takes patience,” Palmore said. “The dogs work hard to meet people where they are, whether it’s visiting a patient who is feeling anxious, offering comfort in a waiting area, or giving staff a moment of relief during a stressful shift. Each interaction is thoughtful and meaningful.” 

By adding another therapy dog, CMH is growing its ability to support patients and staff and its commitment to compassionate care. Because sometimes, the best kind of care doesn’t come from a prescription — it comes with a wag and a nuzzle. 

“If there's a patient or a department that needs help, they can call and we will be there,” Walsh said.  

Want to volunteer with Dogs on Call or request a visit? Check out the Center for Human-Animal Interaction’s website

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