Meet Oliver, a golden retriever who brings good cheer to patients, their family members and employees at City of Hope® Cancer Center Atlanta.
He’s short, furry and four-legged. And he brings good cheer wherever he goes — including City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta. Meet Oliver, the “golden therapy dog” who joined our volunteer corps in 2024. Initially tapped to visit with employees, the 5-year-old golden retriever quickly became popular with patients and their families.
And it’s no wonder. Study after study attests to the positive health effects of pet therapy in hospital settings. Some of these benefits include improved cognition and emotional well-being. Others include reduced anxiety and stress.
What’s a therapy dog?
Therapy dogs go with their owners to volunteer in settings such as schools, hospitals and nursing homes. They are different from service dogs, who have special training to perform specific tasks to help a person who has a disability.
Who trained Oliver to be a therapy dog?
Oliver began his training as a puppy. Atlanta-area residents Dave and Pam Thomas adopted Oliver and dedicated themselves to helping him become fully certified. The retired couple was looking for a way to give back to the community. Dave had worked as a professional photographer, and two organizations he photographed were service- and therapy dog groups.
Oliver has certification from Alliance of Therapy Dogs, an international registry of certified therapy dog teams. To become certified, he had to demonstrate an ability to remain calm in group settings and when faced with various triggers, like sirens and school bells. Oliver has an additional certification to work with children who have reading disabilities. And he’s won multiple awards from the American Kennel Club, including one for good citizenship.
How did Oliver become a City of Hope volunteer?
Dave and Oliver started by visiting with children at a local library. They soon expanded their reach to hospitals, nursing homes, fire stations, juvenile courts, schools and 911 call centers.
In 2024, Oliver began visiting City of Hope in Atlanta. At first, he and the Thomases would spend time in the hospital lobby and let people come to them. But that plan was short-lived, Pam says. “As soon as we came in, we would be inundated,” Pam says. “Staff members have told us they schedule to work on Tuesdays just so they can see Oliver.”
In fact, Pam says, every time Oliver steps into the cancer center, people come running from all over. “Staff members text each other to tell them Oliver’s here,” Pam adds.
Why do patients enjoy being with Oliver?
Oliver spends time in common areas of the hospital and patient rooms. He is adept at picking up on people’s body language, sensing when patients may be feeling down. “Frequently, he’ll pick out a particular person and sit next to them,” Dave says. “Later, we’ll find out the person had had a very stressful day.”
Dave and Pam often sit on the floor and talk with patients and staff, Oliver by their side. “A lot of stuff comes out when we just listen,” Dave says. “People are always happier after talking with us and visiting with Oliver.”
“Oliver’s done a lot of good,” Pam says.
“Staff members text each other to tell them Oliver’s here.” — Pam Thomas