A therapy dog who makes frequent visits to cheer-up patients and families at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital is now on his way to the national spotlight. Bodhi, a 3 year-old golden retriever, edged-out 75 others to qualify for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. His owner Lynn Coates attributes part of Bodhi’s ease and confidence to his work visiting students at North Syracuse Junior High.
“And there was a special needs child there that had been really, really sick and hadn’t talked for two months. He started talking when Bodhi came in," said Coates.
He has a similar effect on the children he visits at Golisano, where child life specialist Maggie Burns says his visits provide an escape and normalcy for patients in an unfamiliar place.
“A dog can kind of fill that home feeling. For them, a lot of kids miss their pets desperately," said Burns. "So, to be able to pet Bodhi can help them feel a little more grounded."
If Bodhi makes the cut next Tuesday in New York City, he will advance to the nationally televised competition. SUNY Upstate is a supporter of WAER.
