The dogs of Geisinger
Geisinger employs many furry friends to bring comfort, joy and security to patients and staff.
Dogs in the hospital? Cute and cuddly canines play a vital role at Geisinger. From therapy pups to K-9 security dogs, furry friends bring comfort, joy and a sense of safety — plus, pooch smooches and wagging tails — to patients, visitors and staff.
Some of these 4-legged volunteers spend their days visiting patients and staff to offer unconditional love and emotional support. Others have more serious work: sniffing out possible explosives and firearms.
Get to know a few of the dogs roaming our hallways and how they help everyone have a paws-itive experience at Geisinger.
Doggone! Geisinger’s K-9 security officers are supported by donations to Geisinger Health Foundation. And the Child Advocacy Center, where Ollie works, is supported through philanthropy.
Aria
Breed: German shepherd
Age: 5 years
Handler: Vicki Housner, public safety regional K-9 handler at Geisinger
Birthplace: Czech Republic
Role at Geisinger: Since 2021, Aria has served as Geisinger’s certified Explosives Detection Police K-9, covering our central (Danville and Bloomsburg area), north-central (Muncy and Jersey Shore area) and western (Lewistown and State College area) regions
Qualifications: Certified in locating explosives and firearms, trained in tracking and de-escalation
Favorite treats: Ice cream and cupcakes
Fun fact: Loves to play ball, swim and keep everyone safe
Jäger
Breed: German shorthaired pointer
Age: 2.5 years
Handler: Karri Dodson, public safety K-9 handler at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center
Birthplace: Hungary
Role at Geisinger: Since 2023, Jäger has served as Geisinger’s certified Explosives Detection Police K-9, covering our northeast region (Scranton and Wilkes-Barre area)
Qualifications: Certified in locating explosives and firearms, trained in tracking and can assist in de-escalation
Favorite treat: Enjoys all dog treats — except for hard Milk-Bones®
Fun fact: Jäger means “hunter” in German
Ollie
Breed: Goldendoodle
Age: 3 years
Handler: Alexis Smith, program coordinator at Geisinger’s Child Advocacy Center
Birthplace: Huntingdon, Pa.
Role at Geisinger: Since 2024, Ollie has served as a therapy dog in Geisinger’s Child Advocacy Center in Sunbury and the Paws to Reflect program
Qualifications: Certified therapy dog through Therapy Dogs International, and certified as a Canine Good Citizen through the American Kennel Club
Favorite treat: Anything with peanut butter
Fun fact: Loves walks, car rides, pup cups, playing with dog toys and snuggling with patients and employees
Paws to Reflect combats provider burnout
Caregivers need care and support, too. That’s why in 2022, Geisinger’s Paws to Reflect program launched to combat burnout and trauma by connecting healthcare professionals with the healing power of pet therapy and peer support.
The program connects Geisinger employees with therapy dogs and their handlers, along with a peer support team, offering an empathetic ear, relief and comfort. When needed, they can also direct staff to other resources.
Today, Paws to Reflect includes 22 dogs and handlers, along with more than 500 peer supporters. What began as an initiative to support nursing teams is now available to many Geisinger employees across several locations
Paws to Reflect was selected for a funding grant at the NurseHack4Health Pitch-a-Thon. It was one of just 3 pitches chosen to receive full funding, out of dozens of entries from organizations across the country.
This story originally appeared in the winter issue of PA Health, our quarterly full-color magazine filled with wellness tips, inspiring stories and more.
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