After a lengthy 11-year career volunteering with B.C. Cancer, Reggie the golden retriever is officially retiring.
Twice a week, Reggie and his human companion Joyce Grantham have been padding down the halls at the B.C. Cancer – Prince George centre to lend a helping hand - and paw - to patients in need.
“He was made for this job. You can train any dog to be a therapy dog, but he had a different touch to him,” said Grantham to PrinceGeorgeMatters during a special retirement party for Reggie held today (May 30) at the B.C. Cancer Centre for the North.
Reggie is a therapy dog through St. John Ambulance and he started his career in the chemotherapy unit at the Prince George Regional Hospital and eventually moved to B.C. Cancer – Prince George once the cancer centre was built. Reggie offers comfort to patients as they receive treatment.
Grantham began volunteering with Reggie, who belongs to her daughter, after some of her own health issues.
“I like to think that we are making a few people happy,” said Grantham. “It gets them away from their troubles and their aches and pains for a while and everybody loves Reggie. There’s just no getting around it. He’s a very well loved dog.”
During his retirement party, Reggie enjoyed treats, many well-deserved pets, and even a bite of cake.
“You and Reggie both brighten everyone’s day – so we just really want to celebrate you, and celebrate Reggie, for the impact that he has had on so many lives,” said volunteer coordinator Joelene Olson to Joyce and Reggie during the party.
“Everyone looks forward to seeing him. There’s staff that know when he is coming. They will know to come to the volunteer office to make sure they get to say hello before Joyce and Reggie leave for the day,” Olson added. “He is just a really special dog created specifically for pet therapy. He’s a really unique dog and he’ll be missed.”
Reggie, who is now 13-years-old, will spend his golden years relaxing at home with his family.
