Susie Kuszmar (left) with the first dog visitor team – Hanley and her handler, Judy Pfaff

Saint Agnes Unleashes Dog Visitation Program

Four-legged, furry companions are among the most popular visitors at Saint Agnes Medical Center. Launched in March 2007 with a single dog, the Heavenly Hounds pet therapy program has quickly grown to include 11 pet visitors plus their handlers. Each month, these dogs visit more than 1,200 patients, visitors and staff providing a welcome distraction from the stresses and concerns of the healthcare environment.

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Susie Kuszmar, director of Saint Agnes Center for Spiritual Care, and the main organizer of Heavenly Hounds. 

Susie Kuszmar's Heavenly Hound, Wally, wears his official Saint Agnes ID badge

Research shows that people feel better and recover faster after being involved with pet visitors. Dog visits have been found to help the healing process by comforting patients and lowering stress, pain, blood pressure and loneliness. Dogs will range in size and breed, and must pass certain behavioral and physical tests before being a part of the program. Dogs are also washed and groomed before each visit.

Nursing staff, physicians and the public are encouraged to recommend specific patients who might benefit from a visit.

To refer a patient, please call the Heavenly Hounds Hotline, (559) 450-PUPS (7877).

The Heavenly Hounds program is looking for qualified dogs and their handlers to volunteer for two hours, once a week.


Prospective dogs must:

Heavenly Hounds in the Limelight

News of our Heavenly Hounds program has reached a national forum. Thanks to one of our dog handlers, Peggy Watson, the Medical Center’s pet visitor program was featured in a recent article she wrote for National Giant Schnauzer Magazine. The article, which explains the benefits of our dog therapy program, also points out the stringent requirements for participation in the Heavenly Hounds program. To read the article yourself, click here.