Many dog owners know one of the best ways to de-stress is to spend time with their furry friend.
The Cudahy Health Department is hoping to offer that feeling to visitors with the latest addition to its staff: Stella, the 3-year-old mini goldendoodle.
Stella is a certified therapy dog.
Stella and her owner received certification as a pet therapy team
Stella and her owner/handler, Jill Kallay, public health liaison for the Cudahy Health Department, went through two obedience courses and Canine Good Citizen Certification, according to Heather Puente, health officer with the Cudahy Health Department.
Kallay and Stella received certification as a Pet Therapy Team from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs in July 2024, Puente said.
“Jill was looking for ways to give back to the community and because of Stella’s gentle demeanor and her joyful personality, thought pet therapy would align perfectly,” Puente said.
In addition to this new role at the health department, Puente said Stella and Kallay volunteer as an animal-assisted therapy team at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital and Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center.
Stella will provide emotional support, reduce anxiety and enhance quality of life
“Therapy dogs are specially trained to provide comfort to individuals facing physical, emotional, or psychological challenges,” Kallay said. “These dogs are certified and evaluated to work in various settings, including medical facilities, with the goal of improving the emotional well-being of those they encounter.”
Specifically, Stella will focus on offering emotional support, reducing anxiety, and enhancing overall quality of life to those seeking services at the health department, according to an April 7 news release from the Health Department.
“She will help ease anxiety for children receiving vaccinations, offer emotional support to those feeling uneasy in medical settings, and serve as a general joy for anyone who wishes to interact with her,” Kallay said.
Therapy dogs not common at health departments, Puente said
Puente said, to the best of her knowledge, certified therapy dogs are not common at local health departments. She told the Journal Sentinel the only similar situation in the region was when the City of Wauwatosa got a facility dog in the last couple years which was “used across departments to support first responders and employee mental health.” Sadly, that dog recently passed away, Puente said.
Stella is already having a positive impact on staff. Puente said her presence is reducing stress and fostering a more supportive work environment.
“We’re excited to extend this service to the community, providing comfort and emotional support to those who may need it most,” Puente said. “We look forward to seeing how Stella can continue to make a positive difference in the lives of our community.”
Since Kallay and Stella are providing this service on a volunteer basis there is no additional funding needed, Puente told the Journal Sentinel.
However, she noted Stella’s coworkers do thank her in pets and treats.
Contact Erik S. Hanley at erik.hanley@jrn.com. Like his Facebook page, The Redheadliner, and follow him on X @Redheadliner.
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