For nearly 20 years, Happy Tails Pet Therapy has brought smiles and comfort to Northside patients.
Volunteers bring their trained pets to Northside to meet with patients and their families. The metro Atlanta-based nonprofit started in 1991 to provide pet therapy to hospitals, schools, and senior living facilities.
“Being part of the Northside team has been so rewarding,” volunteer Alan Towles said.
Jenny Walsey delivered her babies at Northside and has since had two Happy Tails dogs visit with her, spanning almost two decades.
“My start of the Northside love was that I delivered my babies here and then fast forward, I decided to get my dog certified to be a therapy dog,” she said.
“Northside has been awesome, added Cristina Shannon. “The volunteers, the patients — it’s a very, very special place to come and spend a few hours.”
Sharlene Cowart has been bringing her dog, Kodi Bear, for about five years.
“When we go visit the patients, it just makes their day and it makes our day,” she said.
“I have a wonderful dog that really enables me to share her with folks in Northside Hospital and that’s really what Happy Tails is all about, is improving the quality and the lives of people in their time of need,” said Towles, who also serves as team leader liaison on the Happy Tails board of directors.
Learn more about Northside’s community partnerships.
