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