Meet Certified Therapy Dog Jolie and Moffitt's Pet Therapy Dogs
Hi, my name is Jolie and I am an Australian labradoodle. I am one of the certified therapy dogs at Moffitt Cancer Center. I would like to tell you a little about how I came to Moffitt and my job here. I am a volunteer which means I don’t get paid, but that’s okay because I really love what I do!
My mom, Marlene, adopted me when I was just 8 weeks old. She is a retired nurse and wanted to continue helping people. That’s where I come in. She said I was a natural therapy dog since I love everyone. First, I had to learn manners, like not jumping on people or stealing their food. Then I had to pass a special test with Project PUP to see if I qualified. It was a hard test, but I passed! Next, my mom called Moffitt about volunteering in the Pet Therapy Program. We had to interview just like human volunteers. After passing with flying colors, we started volunteering in November 2019.
You may wonder, “What does a therapy dog do?” The answer is simple: I bring joy and comfort the those who need it. I can sense when someone needs me. One day, when we were walking down the hallway at Moffitt, I saw an elderly woman in a wheelchair with her son pushing her. My mom said she was on oxygen and I knew she needed me.
I walked right up to her and laid my head on her lap. The woman hugged me and began to cry. My mom asked if she was okay. "Yes, I’m just overwhelmed," she replied. I was so happy to comfort this woman. I also bring stress relief to the nurses and team members. Most of them know me by name. Sometimes the nurses hug me and say, "Jolie, I really needed you today."
I visit waiting rooms and patients on Tuesdays. If you see me, please come say hello. I can’t wait to meet you!
Meet the Moffitt Pet Therapy Dogs
My name is Rocky.
Favorite food: Cheese — I can’t see it, but I can smell it a mile away!
My name is Teddy.
Why I volunteer: I am not a “volunteer.” I am a paid professional who wears a tie because Moffitt does not have casual Thursday. My job is to get petted and I get paid in treats. I light up a room with smiles and laughter as I stand up and await my paycheck. Once paid, I look around for the next person to pet me so I can get paid again!
My name is Madison.
When not volunteering, I am: Relaxing on the back porch and watching the wildlife while knowing that I made a PAWsitive difference in someone’s life.
My name is Finlay, which is Gaelic for white-haired warrior.
Favorite food: I really like fish! I won't beg, but I'll stare at you until I get some.
Our names are JoJo and Kayba.
About JoJo: I love to ride in the golf cart.
About Kayba: I like hanging out with family.
In loving memory of JoJo — Pet Therapy dog and beloved companion. JoJo and Kayba have been volunteering at Moffitt since 2020. JoJo was known to put smiles on the faces of every patient, caregiver and team member she met.
My name is Feller Bruno.
Why I volunteer: I volunteer because I love being part of the Moffitt patient experience. I proudly wear my Patient Experience button when I’m volunteering.
If you are interested in having your furry friend volunteer at Moffitt, contact Volunteer Services at 813-745-2254 or email VolunteerServices@Moffitt.org for more information.