Under the leadership of Carolyn Shovlowsky and her dog Rockie, Sky Ridge has had an Animal-Assisted therapy program since the summer of 2008. Sky Ridge Medical Center is now American Humane Associations's largest animal-assisted therapy program in the metro area with 12 dogs and 10 handlers, visiting more than 150 patients, families and employees every week.

All of our handlers are volunteers and enjoy helping patients through their love of canines. The teams are Delta Society evaluated and registered, and due to its high quality, need to be re-evaluated every two years. Enjoy browsing through the pet profiles below to become more familiar with our K-9 Team!

Pet Profiles

Chloe is almost three years old and has been visiting patients since October 2010. Chloe is a bundle of energy and loves to play, take walks and romp with her older ‘dog’ sister. She loves to visit all areas of the hospital, but tends to gravitate toward children. Chloe is constantly smiling and has a bounce in her step while on her visits.

 

Jackson is our silver miniature poodle who has been part of the program for a year. Jackson is a five year old rescue dog, who was abused as a puppy, and had to have his left rear leg amputated as a result. He enjoys long walks and playing with the therapy dog, Jesse. Jackson loves seeing everyone at the hospital, but our staff holds a special place in his heart.

 

Jamie is four years old and has been enjoying pet therapy for almost two years. She loves playing with her friends at doggy daycare and being with her family at home. She has a duck
toy fetish and particularly likes ones that make loud and obnoxious noises. She enjoys visiting everyone in the hospital!

 

Jelly is an eight year old golden retriever who has been part of animal-assisted therapy for three years. He got his name because he is sweet like jelly and is frequently called “an angel” while at Sky Ridge! Jelly enjoys going on hikes and lying across his owners’ laps. Jelly loves his time with patients and staff, and anyone who gives him attention.

 

Jesse is the newest addition to our pet therapy program, working here since May 2011. Jesse is a Maltipoo (Maltese/Poodle mix) and is two years old. He enjoys looking out the window and checking for squirrels to chase up the trees. Jesse is still figuring out what hospital visits are about, but is getting comfortable with the patients and our staff.

 

Marlie has been doing pet therapy for two of her eight years. Marlie was adopted at ten months old and was named after Bob Marley. She enjoys taking walks and getting belly rubs from anybody who will offer them. She loves being around people and will visit any area of the hospital.

 

Meg is five years old and has been assisting patients since the summer of 2009. She usually visits patients on the fourth and sixth floors of the hospital. Meg got her name from the soccer term “nutmeg” and that’s why she wears a soccer ball collar. She enjoys talking long walks and chewing on her toys. Of course, the occasionally belly rub isn’t too bad either.

 

Molly turned six years old on Valentine’s Day and has been volunteering for four years. She enjoys running in the woods behind her house and will occasionally chase rabbits, never getting one thankfully! Molly will play with anyone who will pet her and compliment her on how great she looks. Molly loves seeing children on her visits since she used to visit an elementary school.

 

Rockie is a seven year old golden retriever who has been doing pet therapy for four years. Rockie enjoys sleeping, but is up for a long work or play time when tempted. Rockie adores everyone but her favorite visits are always the ones when she gets attention from children, including infants. Rockie loves working at Sky Ridge and is the dog who helped start the program with her handler.

 

Snickers is a three and a half year old black labradoodle and has been part of the program for two years. Snickers may appear calm and mellow, but he does get his bursts of energy when his favorite toys turn up. He will visit any area of the hospital and loves getting a glass of ice as a reward when visits are over.

 

U2 began visiting Sky Ridge in October 2010 and will soon be four years old. Her name was inspired by her owner’s favorite band. U2 spends her down time taking walks and chasing
away the rabbits and squirrels. You will usually see U2 on the third, fourth and fifth floors of the hospital.