Featuring Lucy, the keen listener
Lucy isn’t just any Golden Retriever—she has a gift. While other dogs chase sticks or bark at squirrels, Lucy has the uncanny ability to get people of all ages to talk and interact with her. Don’t get us wrong, Lucy loves to go for runs. Once catching a bird in mid-air. Guess that’s the bird dog in her! She loves peanut butter and her little sister, Luna Pearl. Lucy’s favorite thing in the whole wide world is her frisbee. If she’s not catching it, she’s carrying it around in her mouth. Another unique trait of the Golden Retriever.
Lucy is not a rookie when it comes to being a therapy dog. She has done therapy work in hospitals, retirement homes, and bookstores. Lucy wears a red bandana with a patch that reads “Therapy Dogs International Paws Awhile for Love”, but it might as well have said, “Tell me a story for I am a good listener”. People’s eyes light up when they see Lucy, tail wagging, tongue lolling out in a wonderful grin.
Sometimes it’s difficult to get a child to read to an adult, other children or even to themselves, but Lucy brings out the best. At the Tail Waggin’ Tutors in the Cranberry Library her gentle nature and ability to soothe and calm people make her an amazing listener and warm receptor of hugs and kisses. The children cannot wait to read to her and show her pictures. For we can say so much without saying a word.
Lucy also visits patients and staff at Passavant North Hills, Cancer Center, Rehabilitation floors, and Zelienople Retirement Home. She easily makes new friends and helps reduce stress, anxiety and blood pressure. We think Lucy covers a lot of ground.
Our mission at Green Valley Veterinary Hospital is to constantly challenge ourselves to improve the standards of veterinary medicine and client service through our focus on education, teamwork, compassion and celebrating the human-animal bond helping owners to be the true heroes that their pets already believe them to be.
Imagine seeing a dog donned in a cape, or bandana in this case, running through a bustling hospital or library, eyes locked on to someone in need of help. This dog showing compassion, loyalty, and selflessness, embodying the true spirit of a four-legged HERO. Well then, you just met Lucy!
Here at Green Valley Veterinary Hospital, we are honored to be part of Lucy and her sister, Luna Pearl’s health care team. Her owner has truly allowed Lucy to make a difference in so many lives. As she would say, “Lucy was born to do this”!