Comfort, Connection and Care, One Paw at a Time
At Saint Francis Healthcare System, compassionate care goes beyond medicine. Our Therapy Dogs in Healthcare program brings comfort, calm and connection to patients, visitors and colleagues through the healing presence of professionally trained therapy dogs.
Implemented in 2025, this program reflects our ongoing commitment to whole-person care, supporting emotional well-being alongside physical healing.
Meet Our Therapy Dogs
Saint Francis is proud to have three employed therapy dogs who are dedicated members of our care team: Franky, Raven Rose and Oakley Mae. Each dog is specially trained to provide comfort in healthcare environments and works alongside trained handlers to ensure safe, positive interactions.
How Our Therapy Dogs Help
Therapy dog visits are designed to ease stress and anxiety, provide comfort during challenging moments, offer emotional support to patients and loved ones and bring moments of joy and connection to colleagues. Whether offering a quiet presence at the bedside or a cheerful greeting in a hallway, our therapy dogs help create meaningful moments that support healing and well-being.
Availability and Visits
Our Therapy Dogs are available to provide services:
- During regular operating hours (Franky)
- On evenings (Raven Rose & Oakley Mae)
- On weekends (Raven Rose & Oakley Mae)
- On holidays (Raven Rose & Oakley Mae)
This flexibility allows our therapy dogs to support patients, families and colleagues when comfort is needed most, no matter the time of day.
A Reflection of Our Mission
Our Therapy Dogs in Healthcare program is one more way Saint Francis lives out its Mission of compassionate, respectful care. Through empathy, presence and simple moments of connection, our therapy dogs help make Saint Francis a place of healing for the whole person: body, mind and spirit.
Questions about the Saint Francis Therapy Dogs in Healthcare program may be directed to Emily Vines, Manager – Colleague Communication & Engagement, at evines@sfmc.net.
