Kaiser Permanente and the Alliance of Health Care Unions

Humans of Partnership: Lena

Lena the pet therapy dog

 People are always touching me. Talking baby talk to me. That’s OK. It makes them feel better. When I go to work, I’m there for the patients. In my heart, though, I know I’m there for the staff, too. They work so hard. They look so stressed sometimes. No wonder it’s hard for them to speak up. I give them a little bump, and I know I’ve helped. That’s how I speak up. Every day. I’m a pet therapy dog. I’ve been coming to Sunnyside Medical Center for nearly two years.

Lena , volunteer pet therapy dog, United Federation of Canines (Northwest)