Published: January 22, 2023
LANSING, MI – Eddie, E.W. Sparrow Hospital’s longest serving therapy dog, is retiring after lifting the spirits of children and adults for over 13 years.
The Schnauzer mix is ready to kick back, chew on some bones and take a few naps after doing his job at Sparrow through the holiday season.
“Eddie is special,” said owner Jennifer Good, a retired second grade teacher, as she and Eddie made the rounds saying goodbye to Sparrow staff. “Ever since he was a puppy, he displayed traits to be a great therapy dog. And he certainly was.”
Good has been a longtime volunteer with therapy dogs at Sparrow.
“Eddie has always been such a sweet calming presence for both our patients and staff,” said Tracy Feazel, Sparrow volunteer coordinator. “We celebrate him as he goes into retirement and enjoys the rest of his years.”
Therapy dogs are a unique part of Sparrow’s patient care, especially at University of Michigan Health at Sparrow Children’s Center. Eddie had been among 14 therapy dog, each with its own promotional baseball-like playing card. The group of pooches are in addition to six full-time dogs at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor. Mott and E.W. Sparrow are among the few hospitals with a full-time therapy dog and handler.
To learn more about Sparrow’s pet therapy program, click here.
###
Sparrow is Mid-Michigan’s premier healthcare organization and includes hospitals in Lansing, Carson City, Charlotte, Ionia and St. John, as well as Sparrow Specialty Hospital, Sparrow Care Network, Sparrow Medical Group, the Michigan Athletic Club, and AL!VE. Sparrow is part of University of Michigan Health. Through the dedication of our 10,000 caregivers, Sparrow pursues a vision to be nationally recognized as a leader in quality and patient experience. For more information, visit Sparrow.org.