April 22, 2008

TAMPA, Fla. -- A gleeful chorus of “Happy Birthday,” party hats, cake, games and goodie bags – what girl wouldn’t enjoy a birthday celebration like this? For a pet therapy dog named Gracie, which happened to be the guest of honor, the most important part of the party were her guests.

All were children at St. Joseph’s All Children’s Hospital in Tampa, Fla. For many, this was a slice of “normal” life that most kids enjoy that they rarely do.

“It’s the most incredible thing,” said Gracie’s owner Ileana Berger, as she surveyed the room of party guests and their families.

Some of the children are so sick they couldn’t even walk to the lobby of the hospital where the party was being held. Some were carted down in cushioned wagons and wheelchairs. Others slowly plodded along guiding their IV stands with them. Streamers, balloons, and a table filled with markers and papers so they could make homemade cards greeted them.

Gracie is Berger’s second dog that she certified to become a pet therapy dog. Her previous dog, Sasha, was retired at the age of 15, and passed away at 16.

“I think the reason she lived as long as she did because the job kept her alive. She felt important, and wanted and loved,” Berger said.

After mingling with her party guests, Gracie went upstairs to the cancer ward. One of her biggest fans, a little girl named Sierra, couldn’t make it to the party. Leukemia keeps her stuck in the hospital room. So, from the doorway, Gracie performed “the cookie trick” – during which Berger places a dog cookie on Gracie’s snout. Gracie patiently waits for the go ahead. As soon as Berger gives the ok, she flicks the cookie in the air and catches it in her mouth.

Sierra beamed.

“There’s not many things that put a smile on her face in this hospital,” Sierra’s mother Mary Lynn Kesler said. “But Gracie definitely does and I’m so thankful she’s part of this hospital.”

So is Akera Keno, a pre-teen who has returned to the hospital for a second round of chemotherapy. Her condition is such that visitors must wash their hands before entering her room, must wear a mask, and must wash their hands upon leaving her room.

It was clear Gracie had been in this room before. When given the ok to enter on the leash with Berger, she simply walked to Keno’s feet and laid down. Keno said just seeing her makes her feel better.

“When I feel down she just … she just makes me feel happy,” she said.

Local Humane Societies and some companies in your area may certify your pet to be a “therapist.” For more information about how pets can help heal, check out the Delta Society at www.deltasociety.org.

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