Franciscan Pet Therapy Programs Benefit Patients, Staff and Volunteers Alike
December 15, 2025
Julie Canady knows the healing power of dogs.
When the Franciscan Health administrative assistant's son, Jason, was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 23 and then cancer one year later, the young man considered taking his own life. His dog, Rocky, ultimately saved him.
"I always said if you're gone, what would Rocky do, and that was what made the difference," Canady said. "Jason said this experience has to be something we use for good."
From this deeply personal experience, Canady created the Pet Therapy program in December 2015. A decade later, the volunteer-driven program in northwest Indiana has grown to include 18 volunteers and 16 dogs, serving Franciscan Health hospitals in Crown Point, Dyer and Munster, as well as the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in Dyer.
Each therapy dog must be certified, and Canady explains that the evaluation process is essential to ensure safe, meaningful visits with patients.
Dogs are tested on their responses to loud noises, medical equipment, other dogs, adults and children. They also must refrain from barking or licking. Handlers ensure the dogs are freshly bathed, groomed, healthy and feeling well before visiting patient areas.
"The volunteers are incredible people and the dogs are incredible," Canady said. "Not every dog can work in a hospital and be OK. You can have a great dog in other settings and a hospital may not be a good place for them."
Impact Across Franciscan Communities
Franciscan Health Lafayette East has offered pet therapy for more than 11 years. Lisa Green, manager of volunteers, sees its impact every day.
"Even people who maybe aren't dog lovers, when they see the dogs come, they forget where they are for the moment," Green said. "It lowers their anxiety and brings them comfort, even to their family members. We hear how much they miss their dogs while they're in the hospital and this helps."
At Franciscan Health Indianapolis, volunteer Jan Nowicki helped launch the pet therapy program in 2014. Today, six teams serve Indianapolis, with additional teams in Carmel and Mooresville.
Nowicki said she "could write a book" about the powerful moments she has witnessed, including the connection between her dog Mattie and a patient recovering from a life-changing injury.
"A man in rehab could only move one hand," Nowicki said. "He looked at Mattie, she survived a tornado and he said, 'Mattie, you're a survivor and if you could do it, I can do it.' He told everyone all about her."
Pet therapy also brings comfort to staff members who serve patients throughout the day. Diane Sandoval, an environmental services associate at Franciscan Health Munster, cherishes her interactions with the dogs.
"I think it's so nice," Sandoval said while petting a dog. "They don't care if your hair is fixed, what you look like, what you're going through. They just love you unconditionally."
Sister Josetta Rose, OSF, director of mission services at Franciscan Health Munster and Dyer, said the program reflects the essence of Franciscan values.
"When I think of our ministry, we're about healing the whole person," she said. "The dogs bring joy to people in seemingly hopeless situations. That's part of caring for the whole person."
How to Help The Pet Therapy Program
The Pet Therapy Program at Franciscan Health Crown Point, Dyer and Munster recently received a $15,000 donation from the Circle of 1875, a women's donor circle supporting the Franciscan Health Foundation of Northern Indiana.
This gift will help expand the reach of the program, which has relied solely on volunteers for nearly 10 years.
To donate, visit FranciscanHealthFoundation.org or call (219) 661-3401.
For More Information
If you are interested in joining or supporting Franciscan's Pet Therapy Programs, please contact the program coordinators:
- Crown Point / Dyer / Munster: JulieM.Canady@franciscanalliance.org
- Western Indiana: Lisa.Green@franciscanalliance.org
- Central Indiana: Deborah.Marshall@franciscanalliance.org
