These four-legged pals can be just what the doctor ordered

For a few hours on Friday, MUSC’s Horseshoe went to the dogs.

But not to worry. The tail-wagging, furry canines were some of MUSC’s finest, ambassadors who comfort, delight and lend support to MUSC patients, their families and clinical and administrative staff.

The occasion was the Blessings of the Therapy Dogs, an annual event celebrating dogs and their handlers who volunteer with MUSC’s Therapy Animal Program. The blessing of animals, practiced worldwide every October, honors Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. 

From a 3-pound long-haired Chihuahua to a 98-pound Bernese mountain dog, man’s best friends frolicked, lazed in the sunshine, relaxed in the shade, munched on treats and dispensed free hugs."

Any event with a therapy dog is special, but this year was extra special because it marked the 20^th anniversary of MUSC’s program.

“We’re celebrating 20 years of demonstrating the healing power of wagging tails,” said Cathy C. Bennett, MUSC therapy animal program coordinator for the Charleston Division and Orangeburg. 

“Our dogs have been present at pre-op visits and post-op visits, at the bedside when patients wake up,” Bennett said. “They’ve provided stress relief for students before exams, helped patients confront their deepest fears and comforted grieving parents and victims of trauma.” 

Bennett cited statistics worthy of a proud bark or two: Therapy dogs have logged 6,070 hours and 34,128 visits to MUSC sites in the last year. They’ve shown up for 43 University and hospital events and 13 external events. They were also on the spot for first responders during the aftermath of Helene last year. 

Bennett also recognized Jane Hirsch, who, with her Australian shepherd, Rafter, pioneered the program. Although she no longer volunteers at MUSC, Hirsch was present with her newest Australian shepherd, Keeper, on Friday. 

In honor of the occasion, Charleston Mayor William Cogswell Jr., the proud “dad” of three Boykin spaniels, declared Saturday, Oct. 4, “Blessing of Therapy Dogs Day” in Charleston.

Cogswell and Bennett weren’t the only speakers extolling the healing power of cuddles, dog kisses and a paw shake. Patients and family members were on hand to share their gratitude and their stories.

Among them was former MUSC patient Stevie Wintz, 22, who, with his mother, Gina, is paying it forward. 

 

In 2022, the summer after he graduated from Crown Leadership Academy, Wintz was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. When his classmates were starting jobs or heading off to college, Wintz was undergoing chemotherapy. He spent seven months at Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital.

“It was a very scary time for me and my family,” Wintz said. “I underwent five rounds of chemotherapy during a seven-month period. While I was in the hospital, a sheepadoodle named Atlas would visit. He brightened my day and lifted my spirits so much that I would forget that I was sick.”

Fast forward to March 2025, when Atlas’ owner, Akeya Harrold, called Stevie to tell him that Atlas had sired a litter of puppies. She asked Wintz if the family would like to have one.

“We were shocked, but of course we said yes,” Wintz said. 

On Friday, Wintz announced that Freddie Freeman Atlas Wintz, 60 pounds of black-and-white energy and still growing, is training to join the Paws Team in early 2026. 

For Wintz and his mom, the decision was a no-brainer. “I am so blessed and thankful for what Atlas did for me, and I want to be an inspiration for others,” he said. “I love MUSC, and I appreciate all they did for me.”

At the conclusion of the program, MUSC Chaplain Frank Harris delivered a group blessing of the animals. Then, dozens of handlers and their dogs lined up enthusiastically for the traditional laying on of hands. 

Bennett said MUSC therapy dogs serve four hospitals and more than a dozen ambulatory clinics throughout the Charleston area and one hospital in Orangeburg. Although therapy dogs aren’t required to have formal training, they must be evaluated, observed and registered by a national therapy animal organization. After becoming part of the MUSC Paws Team, each therapy dog is required to work a two-hour shift every week.

All breeds are welcome. “We’ve had a pit-bull mix, a rottweiler, Chihuahuas, Doberman pinschers – every kind you could possibly think of,” Bennett said. “We have a dog that is insulin dependent and spends time with preteens and teens who are newly diagnosed with diabetes, and we’ve had three-legged dogs that work closely with patients who have had amputations. They show and reassure patients that their condition isn’t a disability but is just different.” 

Researchers have taken notice of animals’ therapeutic benefits. At MUSC, four clinical trials are evaluating the impact that therapy dogs have on healing.

Bennett said it has been proved that animals reduce patient anxiety and stress by nearly 40%. “Animal-assisted therapy has become an evidence-based approach, transforming health care, education and community well-being,” she said. 

Then she “pawsed” and said, “There should be a dog walking a hall somewhere at MUSC every day.”