Coos Bay, OR – Following the successful integration of the hospital’s first staff therapy dog, BB, Bay Area Hospital (BAH) is thrilled to announce the introduction of its second therapy dog, Jesse. The introduction will take place at the second annual Coos County Working Dog Appreciation Event on April 11th, 2024, at BAH located at 1775 Thompson Road in Coos Bay, Oregon, from 10:00am to 2:00pm. BB, the hospital’s first therapy dog, has brought immense comfort and joy to patients, visitors, and staff since joining the team in 2023. With BB’s presence greatly enhancing the healing environment at BAH, the decision to expand the therapy dog program was met with overwhelming enthusiasm. Jesse, the newest addition to the BAH therapy dog team, will be our second specially-trained canine companion ready to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support to those in need. With a gentle demeanor and a wagging tail, Jesse is poised to positively impact the lives of staff and visitors at Bay Area Hospital. “We are delighted to welcome Jesse as the newest member of our therapy dog team,” said Devin Turney, Director of Surgical Services at Bay Area Hospital.” The addition of Jesse allows us to further enhance the compassionate care we provide to our teams and create an even more welcoming environment for all who enter our doors.” Both BAH therapy dogs are certified by First Responder Therapy Dogs, an impressive organization dedicated to helping first responders navigate the stressors and mental health challenges that can result from working in these challenging fields. BB is also a member of our Coos County First Responder Peer Support team, a group focused on the support of our everyday heroes who serve Coos and Curry counties in Fire Services, Law Enforcement, and Emergency Medical Services. Attendees of the Coos County Working Dog Appreciation Event will have the opportunity to meet Jesse and BB, as well as many other working animals in our community who provide essential services every day. Come down to learn more about the hospital’s staff therapy dog program, meet the dogs from Furry Friends and other local organizations, learn what resources are available for training and healthcare from our many collaborators, including Campbell K9 University and Morgan Veterinary Hospital. First Responder Therapy Dog Teams in 37 States and Growing First Responder Therapy Dogs has grown from 1 therapy dog team in the fall of 2020 to over 200 certified therapy dog teams in 37 states. Our therapy dog teams are available for service in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. Dog Therapy Appreciation Day is celebrated on April 11 every year to appreciate the dogs who comfort us by being therapy dogs. Learn the History of National Therapy Dog Appreciation Day.
