Yellow Labador Retrievers are known for their kind, caring personality.

One of our volunteers has big brown eyes and a great big heart for people.  His very presence makes people smile.  He is Maverick--a Yellow Labrador Retriever!

Maverick is a certified Canine Good Citizen and he and his handler, Carol are graduates of the Humane Society's pet therapy training program.   Maverick has been specially trained to remain steady and calm around wheelchairs, falling IV poles, and other situations where most dogs would run and hide. 

Pet therapy has been shown to lower patient blood pressure, decrease depression, improve communication skills, and generally improve patient condition. 

The Saint Louis University Hospital Volunteer Pet Therapy Program is provided in the Acute Care for the Elderly Unit and the Adult Psychiatric Floor. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming part of the Saint Louis University Hospital Volunteer Pet Therapy Program, please contact the Volunteer Office at 577-8030.