Made for More Purpose, and Puppy Love

Sometimes the best medicine comes from someone with a wet nose and four paws.

Few know this better than Adventist Health Sonora volunteer Jan Moberg and her therapy dog, Duke, who make weekly visits to comfort patients and families at the hospital.

“Something magical happens to patients when they pet Duke,” Jan says. “You can see their brain just go to a different place, and they start sharing their stories. I don’t even have to ask.”

Ten-and-a-half-year-old Duke is trained and certified through the Mother Lode’s local Therapy Dogs International chapter. Marie Tiraschi, Chapter Director, says their structured certification program is an important part of keeping dogs and those they visit safe.

“I care a lot about the safety of our dogs and the people we visit,” Marie explains. “Each dog goes through a testing process to ensure they’ll be successful as therapy dogs.” Testing includes evaluations of obedience, socialization and temperament.

When therapy dogs visit the hospital or other locations throughout the community, they wear a red bandana, and their handlers wear a green badge. Both carry the Therapy Dogs International insignia, which reads: “Paws awhile for love.”

And that’s just what happens when Duke puts his front paws up on a patient’s bed so they can pet him.

“I notice when patients pet Duke and get talking about life at home, they’re happy,” Jan explains. “That’s the goal of our visits, to give patients a distraction from their pain or their worry.”

As much as Jan and Duke brighten the days of those they visit, they enjoy their work, too.

“When Duke sees me put on my volunteer smock, he races around in circles!” Jan says. “Dogs love having a job, a purpose, and I do, too, so we’re a good match.”