TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER, Hawaii  –   Ruby, a 6-year-old labradoodle, has been a volunteer therapy dog with the American Red Cross Animal Visitation Program since 2019. Ruby is trained to provide comfort and emotional support services to military members, veterans, and families at Tripler Army Medical Center. 
Ruby started her training with the Alliance of Therapy dogs as a puppy. The classes lasted 24 weeks and the training focused on chasing, jumping, and wrestling. After Ruby turned a year old, she took a socializing class.

 “After Ruby finished the socializing class, it helped her complete the K9 Good Citizen award from the American Kennel Club,” said John Flanagan, Ruby’s primary care handler. “After receiving the award, she was qualified to work with the American Red Cross at Tripler.”

Ruby was volunteering with Tripler for six months when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. At that time, Ruby, along with a few other American Red Cross therapy dog teams, supported the hospital staff and patients when the first immunizations were rolled out. 

“Everyone was tense,” Flanagan said. “The nurses and the doctors enjoyed the visits from the dogs. After people got shots, they would have to park and wait for 15 minutes. Ruby and I and the other dog teams would visit patients in the parking lot, and when the lines were long.”

After the COVID-19 pandemic, Ruby trained with the Leeward Training Club for more advanced dog training. The advanced training has opened more opportunities for Ruby to serve in nursing homes, colleges, and hospices.  

When asked about Ruby’s favorite place to visit, John said: “Ruby loves Tripler’s Labor and Delivery Unit, and the Labor and Delivery Unit loves Ruby. Many nurses and doctors are involved in the unit, so Ruby enjoys the L&D team.” 

There are currently six American Red Cross therapy dog teams that volunteer at Tripler Army Medical Center. They are set up to provide affection, comfort, and support to active duty and retired military personnel, their families, and veteran beneficiaries.