The TOUCH (Therapy of Unique Canine Helpers) Support Dogs that stop by SSM St. Clare Health Center each week on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons dressed up in costumes to visit patients for Halloween.
The TOUCH Support Dogs have been visiting SSM St. Clare patients since shortly after the hospital opened in 2009. The program, which began with one dog visiting patients one day a week, has grown to eleven TOUCH dogs (and their handlers) as active volunteers.
These dogs have an incredible impact on patients, visitors and staff. Patients who have been unresponsive “brighten up” upon seeing the Support Dogs.