For information about COVID-19, call 2-1-1 and select Option 6.
Find a COVID-19 testing site | COVID-19 vaccine | More COVID-19 information
April 14, 2021
Before COVID-19, therapy dogs Scotty and Ruger alternated weeks visiting San Antonio State Hospital (SASH). Though safety rules have kept them off campus temporarily, SASH patients wanted to give thanks to the canines with Paws 4 Hearts Working Therapy Dogs.
SASH Volunteer Coordinator Annette Delgado and occupational therapist Kelly Friesenhahn came up with the idea to make dog biscuits for the 50 dogs who visit nursing homes and hospitals to provide emotional support to patients and residents. Friesenhahn worked with occupational therapist assistant Barbara Aguirre, a certified occupational therapist assistant, and occupational therapist student Jordan Murillo to help patients create the treats.
The Volunteer Services Council of the San Antonio State Hospital bought the eggs, oats, peanut butter, pumpkin and bananas needed for the biscuits. Eight patients from Crockett Hall blended the ingredients together and used bone-shaped cookie cutters to make 200 biscuits. After 18 minutes in the oven, they packed them in doggie bags.
“It was so nice to be able to give our patients the experience of being able to give back to the community,” said Friesenhahn. “The smile on their faces as they made the treats was priceless.”
When the Paws 4 Hearts program first started visiting SASH, some patients didn’t feel comfortable being around the pets. Over time most of them developed heartwarming relationships and looked forward to their weekly visits. Ruger unfortunately passed away from cancer on New Year’s Eve 2020 at about 7 years old, Scotty is scheduled to visit SASH again.
Delgado dropped off the treats on March 11 and they have been distributed to the dogs.
“Money can’t buy the gratitude and happiness we at Paws 4 Hearts Working Therapy Dogs feel for our friends at SASH for remembering our frontline heroes — our therapy dogs,” said Karen Minson, president of Paws 4 Hearts. “We will always appreciate our friends at SASH and know that our dogs will be enjoying every crumb of those delicious bones made with love.”