Once lost, Buddy the dog finds meaning at AdventHealth Altamonte Springs

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. – If you ever walk the halls at AdventHealth Altamonte Springs on a Wednesday morning, you will likely see Buddy, a Lab Retriever mix who brings smiles to everyone he meets.

Buddy is 6 years old and is part of AdventHealth’s pet therapy program. His owner, Rafael Fano, has developed a special connection to the hospital, as well as with Buddy himself.

Rafael first met Buddy in 2022, when he was found wandering alone in the street by a neighbor with no collar and no sign of an owner. After a few days of searching and determined to help, Rafael took the dog — whom he named Buddy — to Seminole County Animal Services, in hopes of reuniting him with his family. But no one ever came forward to claim him “They called me back and asked me if I wanted to adopt Buddy. And immediately I said, ‘Yes, I want to adopt Buddy.’ I immediately went and picked him up. That was over three years ago. I think Buddy found me,” Fano recalled.

Since then, the two have been inseparable. Buddy loves to be petted, enjoys chasing squirrels and lights up whenever he gets the chance to visit the hospital or local nursing homes.

Fano wanted to give back to the community, so he explored opportunities with AdventHealth. “I found that AdventHealth was looking for volunteers for their pet therapy program. I called and went through the process to get Buddy certified and trained before coming to the hospital,” he said.

For the last four months, Rafael and Buddy have been volunteering at AdventHealth Altamonte Springs every Wednesday, spending time with patients and team members across the campus.

“They love Buddy,” Rafael said. “We feel that we have done something good for the community — for the patients that are here and for the nurses that are stressed with the job. The nurses say, ‘I’m so glad you are here, and you made my day,”

To become part of AdventHealth’s pet therapy program, dog owners must register, train and become a member of an AdventHealth-approved pet therapy organization — such as Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Pet Partners, or Intermountain Therapy Alliance. They must also complete the volunteer orientation and submit health records.

Interacting with animals is proven to help in the healing process. Pet therapy is known to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, while also promoting healing and brightening spirits.

Volunteers often find the experience just as rewarding. “Pet therapy doesn’t just benefit the patients,” Fano said. “Owners and pets get something from the program too.”

Looking back at where it all started, Rafael encourages others to consider adoption. “There are a lot of dogs at the shelter waiting for someone to come and adopt them. And the dogs are so good and will be very happy to have a home.”

“This is a wonderful story because Buddy is a run-of-the-mill average dog who was left behind and Rafael was able to give him a loving home and help Buddy become a service dog to help our community,” said, Chris Stronko, manager at the Seminole County Animal Services.

For more information about the AdventHealth Pet Therapy program, visit AdventHealth Central Florida Volunteer Services | AdventHealth and for information about Seminole County Animal Services, visit Animal Services | Seminole County.