Paws4Patients
FY25 Impact Report
IMPROVING PATIENT OUTCOMES
The Lipschutz-Danzansky Family Paws4Patients Program at University of Michigan Health is supported by extensive research demonstrating the positive effects that animal-assisted therapy has on patients. The presence of therapy animals in health care settings has been shown to improve blood pressure, increase patient mobility, and reduce stress and anxiety levels by offering comfort and companionship.
MEET THE DOGS
Currently, the program is proud to host seven golden retrievers, all of whom were raised and trained at Canine Assistants, an organization based in Georgia. Each dog was purposefully selected for U-M Health based on their gentle temperament and ability to meet the needs of our patients. The dogs all have an innate understanding of their responsibilities and perform them with excellence. “When they enter a room, they go to the person that needs the most support—whether it’s a patient or a caregiver. They lean into that person and offer their support.” says program coordinator Jessica Doletzky, CCLS, CTRS, in a recent Michigan Medicine online article.
COMFORTING LITTLE VICTORS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Barney, Dashiel, and Fawn are the three therapy dogs assigned to serve patients, families, and staff at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.
It can be easy for caregivers, such as parents, to become so focused on attending to their hospitalized child that they neglect their own needs. With the support of his handler, Child Life Specialist, Heather Meyer, CCLS, facility dog Barney recently had the opportunity to help the mother of a patient assess her own emotional well-being; they had an instant connection.
The Mott facility dogs and their handlers work closely with faculty and staff throughout the hospital to find new ways to bring joy to patients. Recently, Dashiel was invited to sit front-row at a talent show featuring patients, families, and staff. An engaged audience member, Dashiel turned his head making eye contact with everyone in the room when the song “Hound Dog” was sung just for him. Dashiel made an exceptional impact on everyone with his delight in the song and he even encouraged others to perform.
ENCOURAGING PATIENT HEALING
Several units of the adult hospital benefit from the presence of Anna, Bugle, London, and McCoy. Each dog has numerous stories that show their incredible benefit to the hospital. One particular experience with facility dog London epitomizes the impact that these dogs can have.
London and her handler were asked to visit with an adult patient who had been experiencing functional decline. At baseline, this patient’s verbal communication was very limited or rare, but when London entered the room, the patient was so delighted that she spontaneously spoke and invited London to come up onto the bed. She continued to talk intermittently throughout the remainder of the visit with London. Following the visit, the patient’s verbal communication returned to baseline, however, if anyone asked about her visit with London, her face would light up and she would begin to speak. Her love for London became a frequent topic with her care team and the promise of another visit became the motivation that she needed to continue her healing journey.
Total Interactions
January 2025 - May 2025
Breakdown of Visits
patient visits
caregiver support
staff visits
informal visits
special event visits
SPECIAL EVENTS
In addition to the dog’s daily assignments, the team engages in frequent special events and team bonding activities. The first annual Paws4Patients team retreat in October 2024 marked the first time that all seven dogs were gathered in one location. It also provided an opportunity for many handlers to meet in person for the first time, fostering professional development, collaboration, and plenty of fun for the dogs.
Photo by Erin Kirkland, Michigan Photography
WITH GRATITUDE
Donor kindness and support makes an incredible impact on not only the patients, family, and staff at University of Michigan Health, but also the facility dogs themselves. Donor support covers the day-to-day care of the dogs, weekly grooming to keep patients and families safe through strict infection prevention protocol, and the initial cost of the dogs. On behalf of the dogs, handlers, and the countless individuals that they serve, thank you for your support.
LOOKING FORWARD
Recent media coverage, including features on CBS Detroit, NBC WDIV's "Miracles From Mott", and several University of Michigan Health publications, helps to raise awareness of the program and secure resources for the future. Jessica Doletzky explains that one goal of the program is to introduce another furry member of the team. “We continue to receive requests for visits to areas that do not currently have a facility dog assigned. It’s difficult to accommodate the number of requests we receive, therefore we are hoping to expand the program.” Interviews for prospective handlers will be taking place over the coming months which will help to narrow down where the new addition will be assigned.
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