10TV: Riverside's Facility Dog Wesley Featured at Cap City Half Marathon

Have you ever passed a dog while walking and it brought an immediate smile to your face? Or how about having a bad day and then coming home to a family pet who just makes you feel better?

Animals have a way to relieve stress and provide comfort in ways that sometimes humans can’t. Which is why OhioHealth is very proud to have its therapy dog, Wesley.

Wesley is a labradoodle that lives at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital. Wesley has caused smiles, comfort and laughs at Riverside Methodist Hospital for the eight months that he has been there.

Wesley’s success has led the OhioHealth Foundation to raise money for more therapy dogs just like Wesley. One of the efforts to raise money was through the OhioHealth Cap City Half Marathon, as the proceeds from the marathon will support OhioHealth’s therapy dog program.

Staff, patients and visitors benefit from his support. Those benefits are not only their uplifted spirits, but their medical charts show the benefits too with lower blood pressure levels.

Carol Conner, director of volunteer services at Riverside Methodist Hospital noticed the effect that the pet therapy volunteer group had on the patients. She was inspired to put together the proposal for Riversides very own therapy dog.

Ever since Wesley’s arrival he has been a hot commodity. “He is so busy that quite often we have to tell others his schedule is booked, Carol told 10TV.

Wesley came out to Cap City Marathon with Jess Heidorn, nurse manager at Riverside Methodist Hopsital.

“The OhioHealth Foundation accepts the funding from the Cap City Marathon which helps supports our therapy dog program. It helps support with vet bills, toys and anything else a little dog might need.” Jess told 10TV

Watch the full story here.

Donate to the Therapy Dog Program.