Bringing “Creature” Comforts to Those in Need

As an active member in our local communities, our teams make a point to seek out and support unique programs that will have a lasting impact in the lives of area residents.

One example is our support of the work being done by Akron Children’s Hospital and Cleveland Clinic through the Doggie Brigade and Caring Canines, respectively. These programs focus on bringing happiness to patients of both hospital systems through volunteer handlers and their canine companions, who visit patients’ rooms as a welcome distraction that spreads joy and positivity.

Over the past year, as with most things, the pandemic altered how these programs were coordinated. Handlers and dogs could no longer make in-person visits due to health and safety protocols. Instead, organizers of the Doggie Brigade and Caring Canines programs found a way to work around this hurdle by launching virtual visits.

Showing the true power of canine companionship, patients at Akron Children’s Hospital have called the virtual visits the highlight of their day - even making signs and special greetings for their favorite dogs. The Doggie Brigade facilitated 175 virtual visits in 2020 and continued the practice into early 2021.

As we begin to look forward to a new normal, the teams at Akron Children’s Hospital and Cleveland Clinic are excited to bring handlers and their dogs back in person. In fact, the Doggie Brigade at Akron Children’s Hospital has returned for lobby visits through the inclusion of a physical barrier to keep all safe.

We’re incredibly proud to have supported the important work of these programs through the challenges faced over the past year and share in the organizer’s excitement for them to come back to the hospitals to bring even more smiles to those who deserve them most.

For more efforts in support of our Thriving Together agenda, check out our 2021 Corporate Impact Report.