- 1: Skye serves alongside AdventHealth’s AirStar 1 helicopter crews. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
- 2: The six-month-old pups were given a special community welcome recently during a Puppy Pawty at AdventHealth Dade City, complete with pup-friendly ice cream and hugs. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
- 3: Wilbur has worked with AdventHealth team members and first responders in Pasco County for more than five years. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
DADE CITY – AdventHealth has welcomed three new members to the hospital system’s therapy dog team.
Pilot and Skye are joining their dad, Wilbur, in bringing comfort and emotional support to patients, families and caregivers in AdventHealth hospitals across the Tampa Bay area. A third puppy from Wilbur’s litter, Boots, has joined AdventHealth EMS partner Pasco County Fire Rescue.
The 6-month-old pups were given a special community welcome recently during a Puppy Pawty at AdventHealth Dade City. Patients, visitors and AdventHealth team members got to meet the new therapy dogs and hear more about the work they will be doing alongside their handlers.
Wilbur, chief barking officer for AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, has worked with AdventHealth staff and first responders in Pasco County for more than five years. Wilbur provides encouragement and companionship.
Skye serves alongside AdventHealth’s AirStar 1 helicopter crews. Boots works with Pasco County Fire Rescue. All of the dogs will provide comfort and support during stressful situations and challenging moments.
Brendon Sanders, chief flight nurse for the AdventHealth AirStar 1 helicopter program, said they are very grateful to have Skye as part of their team and part of his family.
“She brings a lot of comfort to people, especially in times of stress. She kind of lightens the mood and is there to bring peace to otherwise stressful situations,” Sanders said.
Skye is living with Sanders full-time.
“She’s very affectionate and she’s naturally well-disciplined,” Sanders said. “It’s been really amazing.”
He said it has been great to have her with him every day at work as they go about their duties.
“If we are in the office, she’ll run around and go into everybody’s individual office and visits with them,” Sanders said. “Then we will go to visit AdventHealth hospitals in different parts of the Tampa area. We will walk through the ER, she greets patients and families, then we’ll go to other floors and visit the ICU or go over to labor and delivery and visit with team members at hospital. She just lightens everyone’s mood and brings some joy into their day.”
AdventHealth has used a pet therapy program for decades with dogs supporting patients, caregivers and first responders in a variety of roles, from cheerleaders to entertainers and even physical therapy assistants.
