For the Love of Dogs: Pet Therapy At CHOP

Meet Cyrus, Meatloaf and Cooper, three of the dogs bringing smiles to patients and families at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The dogs — and their volunteer handlers Domenick, Tori and Fran — are part of the Gerald B. Shreiber Pet Therapy Program, an innovative program funded by generous donors. Clinicians say the therapy dogs help children cope with the emotional aspects of their illnesses; families say the dogs offer kids a welcome distraction, reassurance and acceptance.