Animals have a way of connecting with people in situations when human beings struggle for the right words or gesture. It’s a truth that Marla Souder, PsyD, PPG – Pediatric Developmental Care, has learned to use for a greater good. She employs her three therapy dogs – Guinnesson, 4, a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog; Foster, 6, an adopted lab-shepherd mix; and Opal, 5, a purebred Short-haired Collie – as support animals for her work with children at the Parkview Pediatric Developmental Center.
Dr. Souder was kind enough to let us capture the dogs in action, doing what they love most. Whether it’s a game of fetch, a patient audience for a timid reader or just some much-needed cuddle time, this team of volunteers is providing an important, phenomenal service to our young patients. They sure are cute to look at, too.
