Hemi

From Nancy Cathey:
I LOVE this dog. ❤️ I’ve seen Hemi several times in the Cox South lobby, and he’s always the happiest boy!

Yesterday, Hemi received his 100-hour service pin at CoxHealth. I gave him a big hug in the hallway, and shortly after, I passed a meeting room where he was having his photo taken alongside another handsome therapy animal, Romeo.

Moments like that remind me how deeply I believe animals are an essential part of healing—not just for patients, but for families and healthcare staff as well.

My first job out of college was as a social worker in a nursing home. In the ’90s, it wasn’t common to have animals living alongside patients in healthcare settings. But one resident, Bert—a British gentleman—was given special permission to bring his cat.

That three-legged cat quickly became the unofficial mascot, roaming the halls and bringing smiles to everyone. But to Bert, he was much more. Bert had to leave the home he loved, and having his cat gave him comfort, companionship, and a sense of familiarity in an unfamiliar place.

Of course, not every resident could bring a pet, or we’d have as many pets as residents! But facility pets and therapy animals transform healthcare environments in powerful ways—they reduce stress, spark connection, and bring moments of joy through unconditional love.

Today, I still get to work closely with many long-term care facilities in my role at CoxHealth, and I see how much things have changed across healthcare.

Facility pets and therapy animals are far more common in long-term and acute care settings, and seeing Hemi and Romeo recognized reminded me how far we’ve come in understanding their impact.

We now recognize what many have always known: healing isn’t only about medicine. Sometimes it’s a wagging tail, a wet nose, and a presence that makes the day a little brighter.

Congratulations, Hemi, on your 100 hours of service. Thank you—and all therapy animals—for making healthcare warmer, brighter, and more human. 🐾❤️

Reed, Maddie and Hemi all had a great time visiting with students attending the gifted camp at Drury this afternoon. There were over 100 students from many different states! Pet Therapy of the Ozarks PTO

Thank you to everyone who donated and to everyone who followed our journey. We hope to do it next year!