Murray and Woody

Murray Benz is the volunteer pet therapy chairman for Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Her partner is a 5 year laberdoodle, Woody.

Woody is one of eight dogs in the pet therapy program. The dogs are all sizes and breeds, and each visits the patients on designated days.

As Murray shares, “pet therapy provides momentary distraction children tired of needles, pain and being in a strange place. It also provides a moment of relief for the parents that are worried.”

Pet therapy does more than provide relief. As the children reminisce about their own pets, the visiting dogs help them feel more at home in the hospital. It is not unusual for a child who seldom smiles or talks to respond to a visiting animal, providing not only a psychological boost, but also a positive effect on his or her oxygen level. Dogs and children seem to be a natural healing combination, and the four-legged volunteers and their “people” trigger smiles and delight everywhere they go.

The Wolfson Children’s Auxiliary, along with our pets, brings so much comfort, joy and special experiences to our patients. Over 140 volunteers – both women and men – share their talents and skills, and more importantly, their time and caring to sick and injured children needing love and encouragement.

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