Teddy started volunteering at St. Joseph's on June 29, 2011. He is a six year old rescued cocker spaniel (rescued form an Ohio Cocker Rescue Group when we has two). Teddy has been a therapy dog and a member of Love on a Leash (LOAL), a national therapy pet organization, for three years. Because of his therapy work required photo IDs, he has two picture ID badges: one as a member of LOAL, and one as a Saint Joseph volunteer. He proudly wears his ID badge while working at Saint Joseph and gets lots of smiles because of it.
To ensure there are no Teddy impostors, Teddy signs in 24 hours in advance to advertise when he will be coming to the hospital. This also provides security with notification as to when he will be visiting. Walking around the hospital, Teddy is often recognized and greeted with a happy "Teddy!" greeting. Although Teddy's mom, Becky, brings Teddy to the hospital weekly, she is unknown without Teddy. Teddy is the "real volunteer."
Teddy volunteers duties include waiting room visits, patient room visits (when invited), walking through the hallways of 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th floors, and even meeting people in elevators. He has lots of opportunities to hear stories of family pets who are at home and usually gets photographed daily via cell phones so his picture can be sent to someone "who just HAS to see him." Teddy has even received text messages requesting special visits on specific floors. Teddy is at Saint Joseph's to be petted, hugged, kissed and admired. His forever wagging tail and happy smiling face brings big smiles on patients, visitors and staff. Teddy makes sure he stops by the information desk on his way home to see some of his favorite volunteers. He is always ready for a hug and a kiss. He doesn't even mind an occasional pull of his tail from little ones or lipstick left behind from admirers.
Teddy lives with his two brother, Trooper (age 7) and Pokey (age 4). They are also rescue dogs but are not therapy dogs. The three of them have ben spotted walking in Veteran and Christmas parades. Topper and Pokey wear signs which ready "MY BROTHER IS A THERAPY DOG." Teddy and his brothers have also been pictures in the Lexington "TOPS" magazine.
Teddy has his own personal e-mail address: theTdog@yahoo.com and Teddy is also on facebook: Teddy Stapleton. Feel free to reach him at either of these mentioned resources.
Teddy plans to continue volunteering at Saint Joseph for many years to come.
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