Therapy Dog Returns To Huntington Hospital To Visit Staff: Watch

HUNTINGTON, NY — Hazel, a 3-year-old Golden Retriever, returned to Huntington Hospital on Monday to support front-line workers. It was the first time the therapy dog and her handler, Gary Zelner, were able to go to the hospital since the coronavirus pandemic began, according to a news release from the hospital.

Hospital officials decided to allow Hazel and Zelner back earlier this month after a particularly daunting day in the Critical Care Unit.

With her calm and comforting demeanor, Hazel’s presence is a source of great joy to the staff, according to the hospital. Hazel knows her way around the hospital's hallways; as well as the hearts of the staff.

"Caring for our staff is as important as caring for our patients, and we will do everything we can to boost morale and prevent burnout," Nick Fitterman, MD, executive director of Huntington Hospital, said. "Having Hazel and Gary back for staff visits was an obvious choice to bring smiles under the masks."

Hazel offers a welcome diversion for Huntington Hospital staff and an opportunity to take a deep breath, step back for a few minutes, relax and think about something else other than patient care, according to the hospital.

Hazel, a certified therapy dog, has been visiting the hospital since she was a puppy, according to Zelner.

"We were saddened when volunteers had to stop coming to the hospital because of the pandemic, but now that we are allowed back, we view it as a sign that things are slowly returning to normal," he said via release. "We’re excited to see what the future holds and look forward to eventually making visits with patients again."

Huntington Hospital has had a therapy dog program for the last six years. Hazel and Mr. Zelner plan on visiting the hospital about once a week from here on out.