School Therapy Dogs Visit AtlantiCare Over The Summer

ABSECON, NJ — As the school year kicks off, the students weren't the only ones kept busy over summer break. Absecon Public Schools' therapy dogs, Skye and Hope, continued working during the summer by visiting the staff of AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (ARMC).

Twice a week in July and August, the two Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs visited the Atlantic City and Mainland campuses of the hospital as part of a pilot partnership between the school and AtlantiCare.

“Skye and Hope have had a major positive impact on the students, as well as the faculty and staff at Absecon Schools. So to be able to forge this partnership with AtlantiCare and help spread that positivity to some of our Healthcare Heroes has been exceptional,” Superintendent Dr. Daniel Dooley said in a release.

The visits were a welcome support and acknowledgement to those at AtlantiCare who were dedicated and committed to caring through the Covid-19 pandemic, ARMC leadership said.

“Therapy dogs contribute to the healing environment so critical to our dedicated providers and staff,” said James Kilmer, vice president and chief administrative officer, AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Atlantic City Campus. “Over the last two and a half years, our team has steadfastly cared for our patients, our community and each other. We are grateful for the visits Skye and Hope made to our hospital campuses.”

The role of therapy dogs is to positively react and respond supportively to people and their environment, under the guidance and direction of their owner/handler.

Skye and Hope were accompanied by their "dad," Dr. Dooley and other trained members of Absecon Public Schools' staff.

During the hospital visits, Absecon staff brought pizza donated by McHugh’s Pizza in Galloway, flowers donated by Lilies Florals in Galloway, and pretzels from Philly Pretzel Factory in Egg Harbor Township, as well as handmade cards from students in the school's STARS Summer Program.

If you and your pet are interested in becoming a trained handler and therapy dog, contact Jesse Haas, Senior National Director of Pet Partners, at jesseh@petpartners.org.