If you are a regular reader of the Daily Dog Tag, then you probably agree that dogs make life better. Therapy pets make life significantly better for people, particularly during difficult times. This happy-go-lucky guy is Pete and he is a therapy dog. Thanks to Valerie & Co. Photographers for these great photos of Pete during his time off. Due to confidentiality rules, I don’t have any pictures of Pete at work. But you can imagine what a difference he is making with the patients he meets!
From Erica: “Adorable Portuguese Water Dog, Pete, is named after the dog ‘Petey’ from the show Little Rascals. Like Petey, Pete is a friend to a lot of children! Pete is a part of the Medical University of South Carolina Pet Therapy Program at the children’s hospital. In addition to being Pete’s handler for pet therapy, Pennye also works as a vet tech at an animal medical center. They both very much love what they do!
As a therapy dog, Pete helps with stress, high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression. Pete’s work meeting and greeting these young patients is considered animal assisted therapy and is very beneficial in the treatment to many children. He helps offer a sense of calm and compassion, can bring smiles, and provide comfort too, which he and his family feel is the most important part of the job.
When Pete is not working, his favorite thing to do is play a game of fetch with his orange and blue ‘Chuck It’ ball. If the family goes outside with that ball, Pete knows that means he gets to retrieve, and he’s very good at it!
He also likes strolling along the walking paths all around the family’s neighborhood, running in the green grassy areas, and splashing in the water fountains and the lakes. As you can imagine, he enjoys swimming and retrieving his toys! Pete and his family are so friendly, and their efforts to help others is fantastic! There are so many kids and families that love and appreciate the work they do. The hard working and hard playing pup, Pete, wouldn’t have it any other way.”
From Pennye: “Pete is the most enthusiastic dog I’ve ever met. He brings that to whatever he does and as a therapy dog adds love to patients, parents, and nurses.
Therapy dogs are amazing in what they offer in the recovery and healing process. These dogs are being used in many different venues and are wonderful tools to help in recovery on many levels.”
It is heartwarming to see therapy dogs used in hospitals, nursing homes, and classrooms. We would love to read about your experiences with therapy pets!
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About Valerie & Co. Photographers: Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Valerie & Co. specializes in wedding photography as well as family and pet portraits.
Pete looks like such a sweet hearted dog. You can tell in the pictures. Nice to see he can have a nice day for himself apart from his therapy gig helping others. Bless you Pete!
Oh Pete! What a cutie pie. I can tell just from that happy face how effective you must be at your job, brightening people’s days with your wagging tail and sweet disposition!
what a CUTIE!! you can tell in his eyes that he’s got an amazing sweet soul!
You caught my attention when you mentioned Pete works through the Medical University of South Carolina. They do so many innovative things and I’m thrilled to hear they are working with therapy dogs.
What a wonderful story, he is just adorable and seeing the pic catching the ball is amazing. Always love your pics
Pete! Wow what a cutie and having such a joyful day with his little orange ball! I love the simple joys that dogs get lost in and wish oh so dearly, that humans could do the same. Joy is a beautiful state of bliss!
I love these pictures, what a great character face! And it’s wonderful he’s found a great calling in life as a therapy pup at the hospital.
Pete looks like such a fun pup. He really seems to be a big fan of his ball. Visiting your site always makes me want to get professional photos taken of my pups (and my family). I better get to it!
I look forward to seeing them, and if you need any photographer recommendations, I can help!
Pete looks like he would bring a lot of joy during his visits! I think the Groovy Goldendoodles also volunteer at the same hospital.
Oh, that is awesome, I didn’t realize they were volunteers there!
Pete is adorable and sounds like one amazing dog. Dogs definitely make our lives better for sure. I’d like for Simba to be a therapy dog one day that sits with kids while they read <3
Petey is gorgeous and his personality shines through in these photos. Therapy dogs are worth their weight in gold and have provided much solace to people close to me, including my daughter when she was in the hospital.
I’m glad that your daughter had a therapy dog visit her when she was in the hospital. It must have been a nice distraction/comfort for both of you!
Awe, I bet Pete brings much happiness and comfort to patients at the hospital. I have such respect for therapy dogs and providers. I know they can make sure a big difference. I hope some day Ruby will be ready to start a therapy program.
We are huge believers in the power of pets to help heal and have seen how they make a difference at hospitals and schools and court rooms and homes. What a beautiful dog. I am sure his face brings smiles and relaxes kids and others in need.
Pete is so adorable! I love that he visits children in hospitals. My Husky Icy is also a Therapy Dog but we don’t go to hospitals, I feel like she’s not quite mellow enough yet – maybe when she’s a bit older. These photos are great, I love the action photo of him diving after the ball!