Stamford Health Promotes Facility Therapy Dog Harrison to ‘Chief Puppy Officer

Retriever seizes golden opportunity on National Dog Day

STAMFORD, CT / August 26, 2024 – Today, on National Dog Day, Stamford Health & Patient Experience Team since August 2023. Planetree announced the promotion of its first-ever facility therapy dog, Harrison, to a new role as Chief Puppy Officer. Harrison, a three-year-old golden retriever, has served as a full-time member of Stamford Health’s Pediatrics and Behavioral Health, Emergency Department, Carl & Dorothy Bennett Cancer Center. In his new role, Harrison will continue to make a “paw-sitive” impact on Stamford Health’s patients and staff, working full time across several units including the Van Munching inpatient rehab unit,   His role also includes patient visits, hallway encounters, Stamford Health Medical Group practice visits, New Employee Orientation workshops, donor events, departmental fairs, staff recognition celebrations, RISE (Resilience in Stressful Events) debriefings, nursing awards, community outreach events and more.

“We’re so excited to welcome Harrison to our C-Suite,” said Kathleen Silard, President & CEO at Stamford Health. “Harrison has interacted with over 15,000 patients and staff in a variety of settings over the last year and has made a tremendous impact across Stamford Health. He never fails to brighten everyone’s day and we’re excited to see his full potential unleashed.”

Harrison is trained to help support pediatric and adult patients, with the ability to perform tasks to make patients’ lives easier, such as guiding physical therapy exercises, demonstrating “pill” swallowing for pediatric patients, and more.

“I’m so fur-tunate to be promoted to Chief Puppy Officer,” said Harrison. “This is the best paw-ssible news and I’m so excited to continue my adventure at Stamford Health, whether providing compassionate care, handling accounts playable and retrievable, or stepping in as our canine bark-eting expert.”

Harrison’s promotion will be made official at a special event this evening. For photos and video of the event please reach out to [email protected].

ABOUT STAMFORD HEALTH

Stamford Health is a non-profit independent health care system with more than 3,900 employees committed to caring for the community through a wide range of high-quality health and wellness services. Patients and their families receive expert, compassionate care through the system’s 305-bed Stamford Hospital; Stamford Health Medical Group, with more than 40 offices in lower Fairfield County offering primary and specialty care; a growing number of ambulatory locations across the region; and support through the Stamford Hospital Foundation.

Stamford Health is known for its expert, person-centered care through its many recognitions and partnerships. U.S. News & World Report has recognized Stamford Hospital as a High-Performing Hospital. The Leapfrog Group awarded Stamford Hospital an “A” for patient safety. The American Nurses Credentialing Center has granted Stamford Hospital Magnet Status, which recognizes superior patient care with the highest level of safety, quality, and patient satisfaction. Stamford Health is Planetree Gold-Certified for Excellence in Person-Centered Care and is a Certified™ Great Place to Work.

Stamford Health is a major teaching affiliate of the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and offers treatment and expertise from Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s nationally recognized heart and neuro surgeons. Stamford Health and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) have created a premier center for specialty orthopedic care right in Stamford, Connecticut. Stamford Health’s Carl & Dorothy Bennett Cancer Center has a robust collaboration with Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center.

Dedicated to being the community’s most trusted health care partner, Stamford Health puts patients first to build long-lasting relationships. For more information, visit StamfordHealth.org. Like us on Facebook and follow us on X, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

PRESS CONTACT

Andie Jodko, Communications Director
Stamford Health
[email protected]
203.276.5511