NYC Hospital Adds Therapy Dog to Mental Health Care

A wagging tail and wet nose are now part of the treatment plan at Elmhurst Hospital in New York City, where Weasley the therapy dog has joined the behavioral health team.

The two-year-old Labrador-Golden Retriever mix arrived through Canine Companions, a nonprofit that trains assistance dogs at no cost to the organizations they serve. He's the first full-time therapy dog working with mental health patients across the hospital's adult, adolescent, and forensic inpatient units.

Weasley isn't just adorable. He's professionally trained to help patients work on emotional regulation, anxiety reduction, and social skills through structured sessions that include mindfulness exercises and creative activities.

His handlers noticed something special right away. "He often gravitates toward someone who needs comfort, resting his head on a patient's lap or simply sitting quietly beside them," said Dr. Angelica Terepka, the hospital's Director of Psychology and Weasley's primary handler.

The program, called PAWS to HEAL (Psychiatry Animal-Assisted Wellness Support to Help Ease All Loads), reflects a growing recognition that healing involves more than just medication and talk therapy. Sometimes it takes a furry friend who offers unconditional acceptance.

Why This Inspires

Mental health treatment can feel clinical and isolating, especially for inpatient stays. Weasley brings warmth and normalcy to an environment where patients are working through some of their hardest days.

Research backs up what Elmhurst's team is seeing firsthand. Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to lower stress hormones, reduce feelings of isolation, and help patients engage more fully in their treatment plans.

Dr. Terepka and secondary handler Erin Carroll completed intensive two-week training to work with Weasley. One of them is always present during patient sessions, which are completely voluntary and require consent.

When he's not working with patients, Weasley makes occasional appearances at the hospital's employee Wellness Center. Because healthcare workers need comfort and connection too.

The program took years of planning and dedication from Elmhurst's behavioral health team. Their vision proves that innovative care doesn't always require high-tech solutions—sometimes it just requires a dog who knows exactly who needs him most.