One of the volunteers at the hospital has big brown eyes and a great big heart for people.  His very presence makes people smile, and he is known for being able to coax a response from patients who were previously non-communicative.  He is Maverick--a Golden 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.  Maverick has had all his shots, and is groomed weekly before his visits.  To identify that Maverick is an authorized Saint Louis University Hospital Volunteer, he wears a special blue or burgundy neckerchief and identification badge. 

 Pet therapy has been shown to lower patient blood pressure, decrease depression, improve communication skills, and generally improve patient condition.  Maverick and Carol are both firm believers in pet therapy.  Carol related one of the experiences she and Maverick have had.  "One man had Maverick's head in his lap and talked to Maverick for about fifteen minutes.  The nursing staff told me that the man had not said a word until he spoke to Maverick.  That is why we do this.   Maverick was born to do this type of work."

The Saint Louis University Hospital Volunteer Pet Therapy Program is provided in the Acute Care for the Elderly Unit, the Adult Psychiatric Floor, and the Gero-Psychiatry Floor.  Pet therapy teams visit once or twice a week, usually during daytime hours.   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. Or click here to learn about guidelines for volunteer pet therapy handlers and animals.