James A . Haley Veterans ’ Hospital After Almost 25 Years of Combined Service , Team Tampa ’ s Beloved Therapy Dog Hercules and Veteran Robert Lynch Retire
By Rachelle Smith , Public Affairs September 20 , 2024
James A . Haley Veterans ’ Hospital held a special celebration to honor the remarkable contributions of Hercules , the hospital ’ s “ good boy ” and his human , Robert Lynch after a combined 24 years of service .
Hercules , the black Labrador who has brought joy , comfort and support to Veterans , staff and visitors is retiring at the age of eight . Alongside his handler and proud dad , Hercules has spent six and a half years , providing matchless emotional and physical support , becoming a cherished figure in the hospital and Tampa community .
A Marine Corps Veteran and the JAHVH Veterans Experience Officer , Lynch first met Hercules in 2017 after applying for a therapy dog to assist with his own mobility and mental health challenges . Southeastern Guide Dogs , now known as Dogs , Inc . connected with Lynch and introduced him to a few therapy dogs . Lynch and Hercules quickly became inseparable . They formed a fast friendship , a bond that brings smiles to the faces of anyone that sees the pair together to this day .
“ He has this way of knowing exactly what someone needs , whether it ’ s a wag of his tail or just resting his head in their lap ,” Lynch said .
Hercules was not alone in making life-changing impact on the Veterans in his care . Lynch did an exemplary performance in his role as Veterans Experience Officer . He was a patient at JAHVH in 2007 , undergoing physical and mental therapy .
Hercules lays down as Mr . Dunning shares remarks with Robert Lynch at the farewell gathering
“ The staff and community here truly saved my life , and put me on the path to righteousness ,” recalls Lynch . “ I was in really bad shape .
But I recovered , met my wife and started a new chapter .”
He built a team using the Veterans Health Administration Compensated Work Therapy program when he found his calling as a VEO . The team had not been utilized in the Director ’ s office prior to Lynch ’ s innovative idea and worked effectively ensuring the highest quality customer experience in delivery of care , benefits and memorial services to service members , Veterans , their families , caregivers and survivors .
Among his many accomplishments , Lynch said the two program he ’ s most proud of starting are the Final Salute and the Final Mile . Both are sacred ceremonies that honor Veterans that have passed , which have become a hallowed tradition at the hospital .
Now , as Hercules and Lynch approach their well-earned retirement , the duo looks forward to a more relaxed pace . While Hercules will undoubtedly miss his daily rounds at the hospital , his weekends at the dog beach and fishing trips with the Lynch family will now become a more permanent fixture in his routine .
Although they are stepping back from full-time service , the bond between Hercules , Lynch and the community they served will never be forgotten .
When asked how he felt about the years spent at JAHVH , Hercules said , “ Woof !”
We took that to mean , “ I really enjoyed being here for you , and thank you for all the treats and belly rubs throughout the years . I ’ ll never forget you !”
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