Hospital Throws Surprise Farewell Party for Therapy Dogs
Two therapy dogs at a hospital in Ohio recently enjoyed a heartwarming farewell party after dedicating nearly a decade to serving children. Leica and Chevy, both 10-year-old golden retriever/lab/poodle mixes and graduates of Canine Assistants, a non-profit organization that trains service dogs, bid goodbye to their roles at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital on February 5. Hospital staff and other guests, including local media members, showered the dogs with cuddles and kisses during the special event.
Kerri Birkett, Leica’s handler and a Child Life Specialist at Cincinnati Children’s, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love towards the dogs at the party. Many staff members shared how Leica and Chevy had made a significant impact during their time at the hospital. Birkett mentioned that staff members even invited children to come and say their farewells to the beloved dogs.
While the farewell party brought tears to human eyes, Cincinnati Children’s spokesperson Eric DeFreeuw shared that Leica and Chevy thoroughly enjoyed themselves. DeFreeuw described the scene as “chaos” when the dogs played together, likening their energy to that of siblings having a joyous reunion.
Leica began her service at Cincinnati Children’s in February 2016 at the age of 1.5 years, followed by Chevy in November of the same year. Leica primarily worked with the outpatient and adaptive care team, while Chevy served the inpatient units at the hospital. Chevy’s handler, Katie Bradford, emphasized how Chevy provided comfort and companionship to children of all ages and medical conditions, creating moments of normalcy in challenging hospital environments.
Following their retirement, Leica and Chevy are now looking forward to a life of relaxation. Leica officially retired in December 2024, while Chevy just recently retired. Their handlers expressed excitement about spending quality time with the dogs during their golden years.
During her remaining years, Leica is looking forward to making each day as comfortable and enjoyable as she desires. Her cherished activities include spending quality time with her family, going on long walks, playing with her squeaky balls, and indulging in plenty of nap and cuddle sessions. Similarly, Chevy, too, aspires to relish a relaxing retirement.
He has reached a stage where he can no longer keep up with the demanding pace of work and interactions as he once did, sadly. In light of this, he is set to receive ample affection from his beloved humans, unwind in the backyard, and enjoy numerous peaceful naps. Chevy’s preferred pleasures involve receiving belly rubs, enjoying booty scratches, and proudly showcasing his treasured stuffed animals.
Reflecting on Chevy’s stay at the hospital, Bradford expressed gratitude for the wonderful experience. He noted the heartwarming impact Chevy had on many individuals who encountered him during their time at the hospital. Despite these encounters being fleeting for Bradford, they left a lasting impression on others.
After nearly nine years of dedicated service, Leica and Chevy continue to bring joy and comfort to those around them. Leica is poised to become an ambassador for the health system, participating in special events and fundraising initiatives, while Chevy eagerly anticipates occasional visits as an honorary ambassador.
Saman Shafiq, a prominent news reporter for USA TODAY, can be contacted at sshafiq@gannett.com. Stay updated on her latest work by following her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7. For more on this heartwarming story about the retirement celebration for Leica and Chevy at the hospital, check out the original article on USA TODAY. Watch the heartwarming ‘paw-ty’ held in honor of these beloved dogs.
