It Was a Doggone Great Day for a Parade!
October 19, 2020
The pet therapy program at Temecula Valley Hospital (TVH) enables volunteers and their certified pets to provide therapeutic interventions to patients in the hospital. With the need to socially distance during the COVID-19 pandemic, this program has been temporarily postponed — unfortunate news for patients and staff alike.
As a way of bringing cheer to the hospital staff, who miss the pet therapy team very much, our pet therapy volunteers coordinated a pet therapy parade. The parade took place outside the perimeter of the hospital, with volunteers driving by so the staff in attendance could see all their favorite therapy dogs. Staff members made signs, and some shed a few tears.
Whenever possible, even during these difficult times, TVH makes it a point to continue hosting uplifting occasions like the pet parade. "It's very much a family-oriented culture here at TVH," says Chief Executive Officer Darlene Wetton. "Our entire staff is engaged to make sure every patient and visitor has a positive experience from admission to discharge."
Beside pet therapy, other volunteering options at TVH include guest services, patient care and spiritual assistance. Although the volunteer program is currently on hold due to COVID-19, we look forward to having volunteers and therapy pets back in the hospital in the future.