“The Pet Therapy program made such a great impact on my family that we ended up rescuing a dog of our own.” – RMHC Mom whose family stayed 25 times over 8 years at Ronald McDonald House Pittsburgh

When families are on a medical journey that takes them far from home, sometimes the best medicine comes from a visit with a four-legged, furry friend.

It is not uncommon to hear extra chatter and laughter on Tuesday evenings at the Ronald McDonald House. With great excitement, families gather in the living room to spend time with three special volunteers from the Charity’s Pet Therapy Program: Chloe, Rylie and Oakley. These weekly visits from our canine friends are a welcomed distraction for both parents and children. 

According to an RMHC Mom whose family traveled nearly 3,000 miles and stayed at the Charity for over two months for her seven-year-old son’s medical care, Tuesdays were their favorite day of the week. “We never missed a visit when we were there. Our whole family just loved it,” she said.

Rotating each week, the certified pups provide extra comfort and smiles to families after long days at the hospital. Yvonne has been bringing Chloe, a Great Pyrenees, for nine years to the Ronald McDonald House. And within the past year has started to bring Chloe’s brother, four-year-old Rylie, as well.

“It means so much to see how they help families take a break from their worries,” she said. 

The therapy dogs also provide a sense of community at the House by bringing families together. It never takes long during the visits for families to start participating in conversations about their own pets, home and medical stories.

Ashley, who has been coming to the House for a year with her golden retriever Oakley, has met families from all over the country and world during her visits. “Many families have come from hundreds and even thousands of miles away. What is so unique and memorable is regardless of someone’s culture, language, or home country, visiting with Oakley and her counterparts, Chloe and Rylie, is universal,” she said.

The Pet Therapy program supports the Charity’s mission to keep families strong while facing a medical crisis away from home. Families share that the visits make a challenging time much easier. In fact, Chloe, Rylie and Oakley make such an impact that many families keep in touch with the beloved pets and Yvonne and Ashley through social media and email even after they go home.