To improve staff and patient mental health, and to boost overall wellness at the hospital, PAH’s Volunteer Services offers an animal-assisted support program. The program is comprised of seven handlers and their therapy-certified dogs, who greet people in the lobby, visit patients in their rooms, and spend time with staff at hospital events.
“When I see a dog, I can’t help but smile,” said Olivia Hennelly, Volunteer Services Coordinator. “Not just because I love dogs, but they know how to cheer you up and warm your heart when you’re having a bad day.”
Get to know a few of PAH’s volunteers and therapy dogs in the profiles below.
Nicole and Roxy
Corgi Roxy walking at Pennsylvania Hospital
Nicole Carissimi worked as an ICU nurse at PAH for nearly four years. She continues to be part of the hospital’s community through her volunteerism with her dog Roxy. “PAH is one big family. I love to bring happiness to not only the patients, but to the staff as well,” she said.
On a typical day, Carissimi and Roxy start at the ICU, providing respite for the critical care staff, followed by visits to other units and patient rooms. At the end of their visit, they enjoy going to the family lounges to comfort those waiting for loved ones in surgery. “Roxy helps pull people out of whatever that’s bothering them, whether it’s a long shift, worrying about a family member, or just being tired of staying in a hospital,” said Carissimi.
During one visit, Carissimi and Roxy visited a patient who was recently diagnosed with cancer and had to stay in the hospital to receive treatment. “The patient was obviously sad about the diagnosis, but their face lit up when they saw Roxy. And that face is always worth it,” Carissimi said.
Name: Roxy
Breed: Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Age: 13 years old
Fun Fact: Roxy is a big sister to Carissimi’s newborn Luka and takes her responsibilities seriously. She supervises “tummy time” and sleeps under Luka’s bassinet every night. She also enjoys tug of war and will play it all day if you let her.
Claudia and Dexter
Therapy dog Dexter, right, sits with therapy dog in training Myrtle
Claudia Carabelli, a former ICU nurse and school counselor, has been volunteering throughout the Philadelphia region with therapy dogs for 22 years. “When you walk into a room with a dog, it lightens the mood immediately,” she said.
Her dog Dexter has been volunteering at PAH since 2016. He has a “long resume” of places where he has brought comfort to those around him — schools within the Philadelphia School District, local university de-stress events, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), among other organizations in the city. At PAH, Dexter has helped calm patients who were nervous while receiving shots at a COVID-19 vaccine clinic, and can often be found curled up next to patients in their rooms or visitor lounges.
“Dexter reads the room. He’s very perceptive,” said Carabelli. “He knows when it’s time to be playful and active, like when we’re at staff events and there’s a ball to play with. He will also be still and gentle for patients needing peace and rest in their rooms.”
Carabelli has described Dexter as an “ice breaker” when visiting patients in the hospital. She noticed one patient sitting alone in a waiting room and brought Dexter over to sit next to them. With Carabelli and Dexter at their side, the patient slowly opened up, sharing that this was their first appointment for chemotherapy and they were nervous to be alone for it.
“From this simple gesture, the patient didn’t feel so alone anymore. These little moments can mean a lot to somebody,” Carabelli said.
Name: Dexter
Breed: Cavachon (Cavalier-Bichon Mix)
Age: 9 years old
Fun Fact: Dexter has a little sister named Myrtle (a 6-month-old Cavalier-Poodle mix, on left) who is currently in training to become a therapy dog. He is also skilled at catching a ball in mid-air, which always draws some applause.
Elliot and Kane
Volunteer Elliot poses with dog Kane outside
This is Elliot Margules and his dog Kane’s first time volunteering in a therapy dog program. He was inspired to begin volunteering from his brother and sister-in-law, both Philadelphia physicians, who mentioned seeing therapy dogs around their hospital. “Kane is loving and makes people happy. I thought this would be a great opportunity to make other people happy and show appreciation for healthcare workers,” said Margules. “It’s incredible to walk into a room and immediately change the energy. He’s brought so much joy to others.”
Margules recalls one of his first visits to PAH, meeting with an older adult patient who was staying at the hospital. The patient was hesitant to pet Kane but enjoyed his company in the room. A month later, Margules received a patient request to see Kane specifically. When they arrived at the room, it was the same patient. “This time they were affectionate and let Kane nuzzle them,” said Margules. “It was really nice to see development in their relationship and see the positive impact Kane has on patients.”
Name: Kane
Breed: Pit-Boxer Mix
Age: 7 years old
Fun Fact: Kane’s favorite toy is a plush banana. He waits with it at the door when Margules arrives home. However, Kane sometimes misplaces his toy and steals a Bananagrams game pouch as a replacement.