With a wag and a smile, dogs simply make the working world better. In this series, we explore the lives of local dogs who go to work with their people.
Kirby, a six-year-old German Shepherd, has worked as a therapy dog for hospice patients at Riverside Sanders, a retirement community in the Gloucester Court House area, since May 2024.
His handler, Julie Haynes, kept hearing advertisements on the radio for pet therapy volunteer opportunities with Riverside and she jumped at the chance.
“I’ve been interested in pet therapy for literally years,” said Haynes.
Lydia Foster, CHPNA, Volunteer Coordinator of Support Services, was determined to bring pet therapy to hospice patients at Sanders. She holds a certification in Hospice and Palliative Care.
Both Haynes and Kirby had to go through hospice training before they could begin pet therapy. “I had to become a Riverside volunteer,” said Haynes.
For Kirby, Haynes had to renew his AKC Canine Good Citizen certification, provide proof of his vaccinations and undergo 10 one-hour supervised visits with Foster. Kirby also had to become a certified therapy pet through Love on a Leash, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in California.
“It took a couple months to do that,” said Haynes.
“They are a wonderful organization,” said Foster about Love on a Leash. Both Kirby and Haynes enjoy their weekly visits with patients.
“I look forward to my Fridays here all week,” said Haynes.
So far, Kirby has spent just over 70 hours in his role, providing patients with a calming presence, a happy face and a furry muzzle to pet. After he reached 50 hours, he received his advanced therapy pet degree from Love on a Leash. He has a special patch that he wears on his harness, denoting this designation.
“It was a lot of work to submit the application for the advanced degree,” said Haynes.
Once he completes 100 hours of volunteer visits, Haynes can apply for Kirby to receive his Love on a Leash Pet Recognition Patch.
“He’s very laid-back and he always has been,” said Haynes, making Kirby the perfect therapy pet for hospice care.
“He’s at the perfect bed height,” said Foster. When Kirby makes his rounds, all patients have to do is stick their hand out to receive a handful of furry love. “They light up,” said Foster about patients when Kirby comes to visit.
During his training, Kirby had to grow accustomed to new sights, smells and sounds that he had not been exposed to before.
“He’s taken it all in stride,” said Haynes. “Nothing’s seemed to phase him.”
Not only does Kirby work hard to support patients, he is also there for staff.
“He is a team member,” said Foster. According to Foster, when Kirby is there, “it’s like a tension release.”
Kirby also represents Riverside at different community events, including local parades and festivals. “He represents Riverside’s booth at Mathews Market Days,” said Foster.
Haynes is preparing Avery, her 10-month-old German Shepherd, for pet therapy certification. Dogs must be at least one year old to become officially certified.
Foster would like to grow the Riverside pet therapy program and encourages anyone who thinks their pet would be a good hospice ambassador to reach out to Sanders.
For now, Kirby is the official pet therapy dog for hospice patients at Riverside Sanders and is well on his way to earning his Love on a Leash Pet Recognition Patch.
“He’s pain medicine,” said Foster. “He’s just the most gentle soul,” said Haynes.