James A . Haley Veterans ’ Hospital Therapy Dog Statue Donated to James A . Haley Veterans ’ Hospital
Modeled after a therapy dog from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center , “ Jeannie ”, the therapy dog statue was donated to James A . Haley Veterans ’ Hospital , to honor the incredible service of therapy dogs in aiding veterans ’ recovery in a small ceremony on August 20 , 2024 .
By Rachelle Smith , Public Affairs August 22 , 2024
Patients and visitors at James A . Haley Veterans ’ Hospital are accustomed to the pitter patter of service dogs ’ paws around various units and clinics .
However , one more good girl has been added to our pack . Southeastern Guide Dogs , also known as Dogs Inc ., donated a statue of a therapy dog to the hospital in a small ceremony August 20 , 2024 . Named “ Jeannie ”, the sculpture is modeled after a therapy dog from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center , honoring the service of dogs that have aided veterans in their recovery .
Hercules and Billy , Team Tampa ’ s Therapy Good Boys , were in attendance of the ceremony , as well as members of the Executive Leadership Team and Dogs Inc . Both were very excited about their contributions , and were quoted as saying , “ Woof !” which we understood as , “ We love helping Veterans heal .”
“ These dogs give Veterans love ; they are anchors of hope . By all measures , Hercules and Billy have had a tremendously positive impact here at Haley . So much so , there are plans for more service dogs ,” said Mark Van Trees , director of Support our Troops . “ Today , we ’ d like to recognize the man the responsible for impacting so many Veterans ’ lives .”
The donation is part of Dogs Inc ’ s ongoing mission to support veterans and visually impaired individuals , exemplifying the organization ’ s commitment to providing guide and service dogs at no cost . Dogs Inc . is the only organization in North America offering free online and in-person training , lifetime alumni support , premium dog food , and preventative veterinary care for these essential companions .
“ We are humbled . I thank Doctor Jakey for allowing us to provide the dogs . We had been trying to get a dog at Haley for ten years ,” said Bobby Newman , founder of Dogs Inc . “ She gave me her card and said , ‘ Call me one day ,’ and that ’ s why we ’ re here !”
James A . Haley Veterans ’ Hospital , which has been a leader in the adoption of therapy dogs , now hosts the statue on its premises . The sculpture was presented during a ceremony that recognized Dogs Inc .’ s contributions and the hospital ’ s commitment to the therapy dog program .
Veterans can be assured that their recovery will be aided by the wet noses and wagging tails continuing to roam JAHVH halls .
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