St Ritas Introduces Welcome Waggers Program

(LIMA; February 20, 2017) St. Rita’s Health Partners is excited to announce the official launch of its Volunteer/Auxiliary Resources Welcome Waggers program. Welcome Waggers is a volunteer program where therapy dogs and their owners have the opportunity to visit patients who need comforting and support. Having therapy dogs in a hospital setting can also help normalize the environment. They can also provide a therapeutic experience for not only the patient, but also visitors, employees and medical staff.

The first meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m. at St. Rita’s Health Partners Volunteer/Auxiliary Resources office located at 730 W. Market St. Lima, Ohio, 45801. Six owners and six therapy dogs have already committed to the program and will be in attendance to discuss what their duties will be, and how they will help in assisting with the patient experience.

“Therapy dogs bring so much comfort and hope to many individuals, and we are happy to bring this program to our medical center,” said Mark Miller, director of St. Rita’s Health Partners Volunteer/Auxiliary Resources. “Our mission is to make lives better–mind, body and spirit. We know that our Welcome Waggers program will help carry out our mission.”

St. Rita’s Auxiliary/Volunteer Resources is seeking additional volunteers to join the program. To become a part of Welcome Waggers requirements include:

• Dogs must be at least 1 year old.
• Dogs must have current registration with Pet Partners.
• Dogs must have current health screening.
• Owner must complete Volunteer Orientation Process.

For any additional questions and more information about the program, prospective volunteers can call St. Rita’s Health Partners Volunteer/Auxiliary Resources at: 419-226-9038.