Pet therapy volunteer brings joy to lakeshore patients

Health

Nov 26

Written By Staff

For over six years, Carin Arvidson, a pet therapy volunteer and her certified therapy dogs, Golden Retriever Leia and Black English Lab Finn, have been brightening hallways and patient rooms throughout the Holland Hospital. Their visits are more than just a pleasant distraction; they are a vital form of emotional therapy and bring a bit of normalcy to the patients receiving care.

Carin, a former elementary school teacher, was inspired to pursue pet therapy after witnessing its benefits in her school setting. When her beloved Golden Retriever, Leia, displayed the perfect temperament, she knew she had found her calling: a mission to combine her love of dogs with her desire to serve.

"It's my mission, I've been called to do this," Carin shared. "The dogs bring a light that is truly unique. They show unconditional love. There's no judgment." The impact of their visits is immediately visible. Patients often grin from ear to ear when the pups wag their way into the rooms. For patients navigating challenging health situations, a visit from Finn or Leia can make all the difference.

Carin recalls a moment where a patient's husband, in the waiting room before his wife's surgery, told her, "You don't realize how important this is. She needed something calming and joyful."

For the patients, these interactions provide a crucial sense of normalcy, transforming them from patients back into simply people sharing a moment with a dog. One staff member reflected on a story highlighted a patient who refused to leave his room but consistently came out when he knew the dogs were visiting. "The simple act of petting a dog's fur can reduce anxiety," Carin explained.

Holland Hospital is grateful for volunteers like Carin, who dedicate their time to making patients' days better. The commitment goes beyond just showing up; Carin ensures her dogs, who she says, "know the word 'work' and get excited" to come, are well-groomed and ready to bring their best every shift. Donning their shiny volunteer badges, Finn visits on Monday mornings and Leia on Tuesdays.

"It's amazing the benefits," Carin says to those considering volunteering. "Once you start doing it, it makes such a big difference. It brings me such joy."

Volunteers can get involved in a variety of areas, from assisting patients and visitors by providing directions, answering questions, or escorting them to appointments. They also support staff by handling clerical tasks and contributing to retail operations. Volunteers can also contribute in specialized care settings like home health, same-day surgery, and endoscopy.

"Volunteers are a vital part of the Holland Hospital team," said Megan Kniaz, Lead Volunteer Coordinator, Holland Hospital. "They provide invaluable support to our patients, visitors, and staff, helping us deliver an exceptional experience for everyone who walks through our doors. I am deeply grateful to the dedicated individuals who generously give their time and energy to our organization."

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Holland Hospital, visit hollandhospital.org/volunteer.

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