BRYAN, Texas — Dashle is a 14 1/2 years old dachshund, and he is quite familiar with the Halls of CHI St. Joseph.
“Dashle comes to visit the patients to help brighten their days, and also the staff love to see him,” says Dashle’s owner Kit Darling.
Dashle Darling has been bringing joy to people at CHI St. Joseph for the last 4-5 years with his owner Kit Darling.
Kit says today is bittersweet because this will be the last time Dashle walks these halls as a therapy dog.
“I know it’s time for him to retire, but I will miss him being able to come,” said Darling.
CHI St. Joseph welcomes dogs into its Caring Canines Pet Therapy Program, where dogs provide support and love to patients and staff.
“Through the years, I have seen patients respond to him maybe when they weren’t responding to other people. They’re going through maybe not such a good time in their lives and just they enjoy pets and miss their dogs at home. Or they see him, that smile comes to their face and that’s worth it to me,” said Darling.
To honor Dashle's service at CHI St. Joseph, the staff put together a retirement party for the dachshund.
If you want to sign up your dog to visit at the hospital, there are some basic requirements.
“In order to do this at St. Joseph Hospital, you have to be a part of Aggieland Pets With a Purpose. All of our dogs undergo a temperament test, to be sure that they are okay if somebody pulls on their ear or tail, that they will forgive them for that, that they may enjoy meeting people, know some basic obedience, we usually give the temperament test about 3 or 4 times a year,” said Darling.
The staff was overjoyed to celebrate and honor Dashel's time at the hospital. For more information on how you and your fellow canine can participate in the pet therapy program, CHI St. Joseph has more on how you can sign up.
ALSO POPULAR ON KAGSTV.COM: