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Maggie and Charlie pose with owner Chris Overmoe prior to beginning round.
Reynard and his human, Cathy Watson, have been providing Pet Therapy services to Rutherford Hospital for about three years. Reynard, who is shameless in his affection, brings lightheartedness to the entire organization on the days he visits. He knows which employees have treats in their desks, and which one in particular will provide him with his ever-sought-after belly rub.
Watson says that Reynard always knows it is Wednesday because he gets a bath the night before. “He gets so excited he can hardly contain himself,” she says. She owns Potbelly Acres and cares for numerous potbelly pigs, several miniature horses, a few goats, two llamas, an alpaca, several dogs and even an emu, among others. According to Watson, Reynard is what is known as a “foster failure.” This simply means that while she was fostering him, she fell in love and refused to give him back. When she decided to have Reynard certified as a Pet Therapy Dog, the trainer informed her that he was a natural, and the rest is history. In addition to Rutherford Hospital, Cathy and Reynard make their rounds at Hospice as well.
Chris Overmoe and his wife, Donna, retired to Rutherford County about five years ago from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) in Asheville. While volunteering at Rutherford Hospital, Chris met Reynard and an idea was born. He knew that his two standard poodles, Maggie and Charlie, were very people-oriented and would make wonderful therapy dogs. He mentioned to Ginger Dancy, Director of Volunteer Services, that he would like to get his dogs involved in the Pet Therapy Program here at RHI.
After getting Maggie and Charlie certified, they began their new careers and are now an integral part of the care provided here at Rutherford Hospital. “Not only do the patients enjoy the visits, but the staff is very appreciative as well,” says Overmoe. Everyone craves a minute or two of pure enjoyment to break up the workday, and these guys are masters at providing just such a reprieve. Maggie and Charlie, who are 6 and 7 years old respectively, have very different personalities. Charlie is very stoic and reserved while Maggie is enthusiastic and eager. Chris and Donna found a trainer in Tryon who was able to provide certification and so began an adventure that has turned out to provide true enjoyment for all involved. Chris, Donna, Maggie and Charlie also volunteer at various rest homes throughout the county.
To see more photos of these caregivers, please visit Rutherford Hospital’s Facebook page. There you will also find several other photo albums, videos, links, information on upcoming events, and interesting news items. And don’t forget to visit www.MyRutherfordHospital.com, a valuable resource for all your healthcare needs.
