URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Urbana’s Carle Foundation Hospital is welcoming a new member to its team of volunteer therapy dogs — Cooper!
The 14-month-old cockapoo has finished extensive mandatory training programs and is now ready to comfort people throughout the hospital, accompanied by his big sister “Sophie” and their owner, Jean Huddleston.
For the past three years, Huddleston has been volunteering once weekly. With Cooper now trained and grown, he can participate in the activities as well.
“I wanted something to do after I retired,” the volunteer explained.
Huddleston said there have been several unforgettable moments over the years, like when Sophie helped a woman experiencing Alzheimer’s.
“The mother began shouting and expressed herself vividly. She reached for Sophie, petting and chatting with her. Sophie was highly attentive and aware of the situation,” the dedicated volunteer recounted.
Huddleston said the woman hadn’t eaten for four days, but when the care team asked if she wanted to have lunch, the woman got excited and wanted food.
“For that moment in time, the woman was with us. The daughter could have a conversation with her,” she added.
Later on, Huddleston said another patient approached her to say, “Your dog saved my life.”
She met and bought Sophie a few years ago, intending to train her as a therapy dog in particular.
Huddleston is one of the few volunteers bringing her dogs in on a regular basis. If you’re interested in training your pup or getting involved in a similar way, reach out to Carle’s Volunteer Services department. You can call 217-383-6701 or email volunteer.services@carle.com.
