Seven years ago, in a quiet corner of southern Colorado, a special bond was forged that would go on to touch countless lives. Meet Hatch, a Labrador Retriever whose journey from puppyhood to becoming a Human-Animal Bond in Colorado – HABIC therapy dog at Poudre Valley Hospital is a remarkable tribute to the power of the human-animal bond.
For HABIC volunteer Suzanne Pope, the journey has been a profound testament to the transformative power of the human-animal bond.
“When we first got Hatch, we knew he was going to be a blessing in our lives,” said Pope, reflecting on the moment Hatch entered their family. Little did they know just how profound his impact would become.
Hatch’s journey into therapy work came from a deeply personal experience involving their special needs daughter. Regular visits to The Children’s Hospital in Denver introduced the family to the benefits of therapy dogs. Witnessing firsthand how the dogs helped their daughter at that time planted the seed for a desire to give back.
“They helped ease her anxiety and therefore she did not need any medications!” said Pope. “It was always in the back of my mind, that someday I would love to give back in ways that these dogs and their handlers do.”
“Work with your dog and love your dog”
Pope chose to enroll Hatch in the HABIC program on the recommendation of a co-worker’s positive experience with their Golden Retriever. From there, Hatch began HABIC’s 12-week therapy dog training program that would prepare him for the vital role he was destined to play.
Reflecting on the training process, Pope offers a reassuring tip for aspiring therapy dog teams: “Don’t worry too much. If you work with your dog and love your dog, they will get it.” This advice underscores the importance of patience, persistence, and above all, the bond between handler and dog.
Today, Hatch’s regular visits to Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins have become a highlight for both staff and patients alike. With a wagging tail and a toothy smile, “Hatch walks in just knowing he is there to do a job,” said Pope, “and everyone loves him.”
HABIC placements for therapy animal teams depend on a combination of factors, such as handler preference, animal preference (because animals, like humans, have individual comfort levels) and client needs, that contribute to a positive and meaningful experience.
But beyond the smiles and tail wags lies a deeper motivation for both Hatch and his handler. “What motivates me is the joy I see with Hatch, but most of all, the joy he brings to the staff and patients,” Pope said.
Knowing you made a difference
“When you bring your dog or cat to do therapy it just brings so many smiles to so many people, including yourself. You leave knowing you definitely made a difference in many people’s lives for that day, including people you wouldn’t even expect—like a visitor whose husband is very sick, just passing you in the hall.”
The true essence of HABIC’s mission, as experienced through Suzanne Pope and Hatch’s work as a therapy animal team, is the ability to make a tangible difference in people’s lives through the presence of a therapy animal. From alleviating stress for healthcare staff to providing solace for patients, the ripple effects of Hatch’s visits extend beyond the hospital walls.
“I would do it over and over again, and I know Hatch agrees,” said Pope, reflecting on the rewards of their journey. “It is truly amazing what this program does for our community. Thank you, HABIC!”
Join HABIC as a therapy dog team
If you have a friendly dog and want to make a difference in your community together, HABIC offers a hybrid 12-week Therapy Dog Class for new volunteers. The class meets for one hour once a week. Classes are offered three times a year: Fall (classes begin in August), Spring (classes begin in January), and Summer (classes begin in May).
About Human-Animal Bond in Colorado
Founded in 1993, Human-Animal Bond in Colorado (HABIC) is a center in the School of Social Work, part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences. HABIC’s mission is to improve the quality of life for people of all ages through the therapeutic benefits of companion animals, with particular focus in the areas of community outreach, teaching, and research.
