• Home
• News and Publications
• Canine Comfort Program at OSF Hospice - Rockford

Update: Please read the latest article on OSF Home Care Services' Canine Comfort program courtesy of the Rockford Register Star. Click here to read.

The hospice volunteer program at OSF Home Care Services has gone to the dogs! Julie Rosenbaum, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator at OSF Home Care Services in Rockford, implemented a new pet therapy program called Canine Comfort.  Two of Rockford's volunteers rescue and train beagles and were very excited to include the dogs with their volunteer experience.

The program began as a way to reach patients who are unable to communicate.  The animals open the door for communication and allow the patients to share their stories with others.  Currently, three volunteers are visiting nursing homes (with OSF contracts) twice a month on Friday evenings and once a month on Sundays.

Julie plans to expand the program in the upcoming year and already has many interested volunteers.

During one visit, a patient who rarely speaks or interacts with others wanted to hold one of the dogs and his face lit up and he had tears in his eyes.  The volunteers say the experience has been very rewarding and many residents haved asked when the dogs will be back. 

For more information on the OSF Home Care Services Canine Comfort program, please contact Julie Rosenbaum at (815) 921-8700.