TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER, Hawaii  –   Emma, a 14-year-old black Shih Tzu, has been a volunteer therapy dog with the American Red Cross Animal Visitation Program since 2012. Emma is trained to provide comfort and emotional support services to military members, veterans, and families at Tripler Army Medical Center. 

Before handler Richard Smith retired, he worked in the patient advocate office, where he first encountered TAMC’s various American Red Cross doge. He fondly remembers his interactions with the dogs during their visits to the hospital. 

And then last January, a close friend mentioned a dog that needed a home.

With Emma in poor health, Smith decided to sponsor her. His mission was to restore her health and find her a home filled with love. 

"When I first met her, she was malnourished,” Smith said. "The more I got to know her, the more I realized that she was the sweetest dog. This was her personality, and she was perfect for a therapy dog."

After adopting her, Smith enrolled Emma in the Alliance of Therapy Dogs' training program through the American Kennel Club. The program provides testing, certification, registration, support, and insurance for members.  Emma is also a certified member of the American Red Cross Animal Visitation Program, through which she provides emotional support services to hospitals.

When the animal teams visit the hospital wards and departments, there is a round of smiles from the staff and happy tail wagging for the dogs.
"When we are on the floors, surgery or orthopedics, everything on the floors shuts down," Smith said. "Everyone comes out of their office and pets the dogs.   
Emma enjoys visiting parks in the morning or evening when not visiting patients or people.

"This is it," John said. "She's 14 years old. I'm gentle with her, seeing how long I can keep her around. She's gentle and sweet all the time. That's all we want." 
There are currently six American Red Cross therapy dog teams who 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. 

There are currently six American Red Cross therapy dog teams who 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.