Therapy dog statue donated to james a. Haley veterans' hospital | va tampa health care | veterans affairs

Patients and visitors at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital are accustomed to the pitter patter of service dogs’ paws around various units and clinics. However, one more good girl has been

added to our pack. Southeastern Guide Dogs, also known as Dogs Inc., donated a statue of a therapy dog to the hospital in a small ceremony August 20, 2024. Named “Jeannie”, the sculpture is

modeled after a therapy dog from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, honoring the service of dogs that have aided veterans in their recovery. Hercules and Billy, Team Tampa’s

Therapy Good Boys, were in attendance of the ceremony, as well as members of the Executive Leadership Team and Dogs Inc. Both were very excited about their contributions, and were quoted as

saying, “Woof!” which we understood as, “We love helping Veterans heal.” “These dogs give Veterans love; they are anchors of hope. By all measures, Hercules and Billy have had a tremendously

positive impact here at Haley. So much so, there are plans for more service dogs,” said Mark Van Trees, director of Support our Troops. “Today, we’d like to recognize the man the

responsible for impacting so many Veterans’ lives.” The donation is part of Dogs Inc’s ongoing mission to support veterans and visually impaired individuals, exemplifying the

organization's commitment to providing guide and service dogs at no cost. Dogs Inc. is the only organization in North America offering free online and in-person training, lifetime

alumni support, premium dog food, and preventative veterinary care for these essential companions. “We are humbled. I thank Doctor Jakey for allowing us to provide the dogs. We had been

trying to get a dog at Haley for ten years,” said Bobby Newman, founder of Dogs Inc. “She gave me her card and said, ‘Call me one day,’ and that’s why we’re here!” James A. Haley

Veterans' Hospital, which has been a leader in the adoption of therapy dogs, now hosts the statue on its premises. The sculpture was presented during a ceremony that recognized Dogs

Inc.’s contributions and the hospital’s commitment to the therapy dog program. The ceremony, was led by Mark Van Trees, director of Support our Troops, who presented the sculpture and a

commemorative plaque. The hospital’s Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Chief, Dr. Steven G. Scott, and other members of the leadership team were also present. Veterans can be assured

that their recovery will be aided by the wet noses and wagging tails continuing to roam JAHVH halls.