Lily the Therapy Dog’s “Pawsitive” Effect

Meet Lily, a Golden Retriever therapy dog who has been “making her rounds” cheering up patients, visitors and staff at St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center (Roslyn, NY) for the past two years. She approaches each person with an outgoing, calm, affectionate and eager-to-please attitude that is heartwarmingly received and fosters an effortless emotional connection.

Research has shown that therapy dogs reduce stress levels, elevate moods, alleviate loneliness, decrease blood pressure, and lower pain. That is evident at St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center when Lily greets patients and cuddles up to them while they and their loved ones prepare for a procedure or spend time in recovery. An immediate sense of happiness fills the patient’s room. After all, what could be better “medicine” than social interaction, smiles, hugs and good conversation, thanks to Lily’s endearing nature.

Lily’s adoring fans include the amazing advocates from the hospital’s Patient Experience team, who accompany Lily and her handler, Theresa. Lily can also be found by the side of pediatric cardiology patients treated by Sean Levchuck, MD, program co-director and St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center Chair of Pediatric Cardiology, as part of the Gift of Life program that provides heart surgery to children in need. 

Bonding with a fluffy and smiling new friend is comforting and makes their hospital experience less scary. The children whisper messages in her ear, walk her up and down the hallway and snuggle with her as she positively distracts and loves them leading up to their surgeries.

Lily reminds us that there is always love and joy to spread, and she continues to have a “pawsitive” effect on everyone she meets.