Paws and Effect: Therapy Dog Family Brightens St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center
In the town of Round Rock, Texas, an admirable elderly couple, David and Lynn Ashley, alongside their team of therapy dogs, have been the ray of sunshine at St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center for over a decade. Under the umbrella of Therapy Pet Pals of Texas, a nonprofit that has been a symbol of hope for more than 40 years, the couple and their canine partners have proven the profound impact of fur therapy in healthcare settings.
‘This is Really the Only Time We’re Around Adults’
The Ashleys, who have been married for over half a century, find joy in visiting the Medical Center with their dogs. “It’s wonderful. I don’t know what we would do if we didn’t do this. This is really the only time we’re around adults,” shared David Ashley when asked about their volunteering work. Lynn Ashley added, “The smiles, we see smiles all the time” narrating the joyous scenes they witness in the hospital corridors regularly.
Therapy Dogs: More Than Just Dogs
However, it’s not just any dog that can do this vital work. According to Lynn Ashley, the dogs need three crucial qualifications: “personality, personality, and personality.” Every dog of the Therapy Pet Pals undergoes rigorous training to proficiently provide companionship and comfort. The impact they make is tremendously significant. For instance, “In the first quarter, Mycroft (one of their dogs) met nearly 3000 people,” Lynn reports.
Offering Respite in Tough Times
The therapeutic effect of their visits has brought amazing transformations, particularly in settings like assisted living centers and nursing homes. “We’re the only people that they see from outside the nursing home. So you can’t believe the impact that it has,” says David Ashley. Recently, their therapy dogs have spent time with the exhausted staff at St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center, offering a much-needed break from their challenging routines.
Unwavering Commitment
When asked about the duration of their volunteer work, David answered with a smile, “As long as we can!” The Ashleys with their dogs—Sadie, Ethal, Michelle, and Mycroft—are dedicated to making a lasting difference in their community. Their unflinching commitment to spread joy and comfort stands as an inspiration, reminding us how much impact even small acts of kindness can have on others’ lives.
Get Involved!
For those inspired by the Ashleys’ work and would like to volunteer with their pets, click here.
Story by HERE News
