1200 Maple Road (U.S. Route 6)Pet Therapy
Our Services
Pet Therapy
The comforting affects of animals have been noticed through the years. Put simply, dogs make people smile. Even Florence Nightingale recommended “a small pet animal” as an “excellent companion for the sick.” Silver Cross Hospital offers a comprehensive Pet Therapy program for our patients and are excited for patients to experience the healing effects of a wagging tail.
How It Works
Silver Cross currently has several dog/handler teams visiting patients in the hospital. Thinking less about their illness also means that patients feel less anxiety, pain, blood pressure and loneliness. Patients are encouraged to request a visit if they are interested in a dose of puppy love during their stay at Silver Cross. Our teams also visit organizations and schools in the community with special needs.
Request a Visit
To schedule a visit from one of our Pet Therapy dogs, please contact (815) 300-7117. Meet some of our friendly dogs listed below.
Interested?
To learn more about Pet Therapy or if you are interested in getting your dog certified with TDI to volunteer with Silver Cross Hospital, please contact Laura Valencik, at (815) 300-7117 ext. 7579.
Meet The Dogs
Bella
Full name: Mainsail's Queen Isabella ( named to honor the Queen who helped Columbus sail to America)
Owners: Don & Debi Duggins (Debi works as an RN at Silver Cross)
Breed: AKC registered Newfoundland (Newfie)
Birthday: 08/15/06 Weight: 115 pounds
Likes: food (especially sweets) and her toys
Dislikes: not being able to see people's faces
”It has been a blessing to be part of the Pet Therapy program. The volunteer program is well organized, and we enjoy the joy that Bella brings to patients, visitors, and staff. Bella surprises people with her large size, but Newfies are known as "gentle giants" and all that hair is good for petting! Bella likes the attention and likes to do her tricks; when she has completed her therapy visits, she likes to take a long drink of water and a nap!”
Full name: Sadie
Breed: cocker spaniel/terrier mix
Owner: Sylvia Erickson
Background: Without a home for almost the first year of her life, Sadie was taken to a kill shelter as a puppy before being rescued by A Caring Place Humane Society in Darien. But it wasn't until March of 2009, that she learned the power of love and companionship. It was this day that she was adopted by New Lenox resident and a retired first grade teacher, Sylvia Erickson.
As a certified therapy dog with Therapy Dogs International, Sadie and her owner walk the halls of Silver Cross Hospital and stop in to visit patients who need a little cheering up
"She's very, very good with the patients," Erickson said. "She'll lay her head in the laps of people in wheelchairs. We're working on having her put just her two front paws up the beds so patients can pet her."
Full name: Sophie
Breed: White Fox Terrier
Owner: Claudia
Fun Fact: Sophie has been a Certified Therapy Dog with Therapy Dog International since 2007. During that time she has achieved her TDIA (Therapy Dog International Active Volunteer), TDIAOV - (Therapy Dog International Active Outstanding Volunteer) and just recently achieved her TDIRVA (Therapy Dog Internation Remarkable Volunteer Acheivement). She is quite an accomplished pup!
Sophie dresses up in fun costumes each times she visits, making her visits highly anticipated by staff. Take a look at some of her fun outfits here.