Introducing MHP’s Newest Employee

He stands on all fours, is covered from head to toe with long black hair, has webbed feet, and weighs 202 lbs. This describes Screech, a two-year-old Newfoundland and certified therapy dog who is now working in MHP’s Emergency Center.

For about a month now, Screech has made twice-weekly visits to the Emergency Center. He spends his time meeting with patients, entertaining children, and walking the halls with his owner Cathy Powers.

While on duty, Screech wears an official MHP name badge. He has his own water bowl at work—a bath basin provided by the staff. And he is even on call in case his services are needed beyond his normal hours.

“We love having Screech here. He has been very well received by the patients and staff alike,” says Shanda Zaharako, Manager of the Emergency Center. “On his first day here he visited a patient who was moving to Hospice for care. The patient had been unresponsive days earlier. Following a request from the patient’s family, Screech was led into the patient’s room. The patient stroked his fur as he stood next to the bed, the patient said his name and smiled. It was very touching.”

Many studies have shown the benefits of therapy dogs for patients. Therapy dogs in the clinical setting are said to reduce the patient’s anxiety and lower their blood pressure, among other physical and social benefits.

“It’s really fun to watch the tension disappear in people’s faces when they see Screech. He’s so big he gets noticed. And he’s so gentle and friendly that people want to be around him,” says Cathy Powers, Screech’s owner and trainer.

Screech received his training to be a certified therapy dog in November 2005 at Holland Hospital. He is certified through Therapy Dogs Inc.