We Stand For Care

As she moves confidently through the hallways of Stanford Hospital & Clinics, Rita’s official badge swings back and forth with each step. There’s no MD after her name, but her skills as a healer could justify it. When Rita pays a visit to a patient, the atmosphere instantly brightens.

Rita’s owner and handler, Robert Higa, said “when you see the connection dogs can make. It’s so easy and effortless. You can really see the change you can bring about with a dog.”

Stanford Hospital & Clinics has been MAKING A DIFFERENCE in the lives of patients for more than a decade with Pet-Assisted Wellness at Stanford (PAWS) Program. During their weekly visits, dogs, cats and sometimes rabbits have padded their way into the hearts of patients and staff alike providing COMPASSIONATE CARE.

The program, said Barbara Ralston, the hospital’s vice president for guest services and international medicine, makes an important contribution toward “getting patients well and out of the hospital. It helps normalize their experience. People who have pets really miss their pets. We can’t let their pets in, but we have surrogates for them.”

For more information about the PAWS Program and to read about patient stories, click here.