Tiny, furry volunteers bring joy to hospital patients and team members

ORLANDO, Fla. — “The first moment I put this dog on a bed, she connected with that patient and looked at them like, ‘What do you need from me?’” Sheri said. “It’s truly beautiful, the gift that this dog has given people.”

At AdventHealth Kissimmee, moments like these are part of how patients and team members find comfort, connection and a sense of peace during their day.

From the moment Dahlia Valentine and Rory arrive, they are an instant hit. At first, no one knows why they are there. People stop, crouch down, say hello and start petting away. Then come the questions: You brought puppies to the hospital?

The answer is yes.

Dahlia and Rory are certified therapy dogs and part of AdventHealth Kissimmee’s volunteer pet therapy team, visiting alongside their owners, Sheri and David Simon, who are also certified volunteers.

Sheri’s connection to the hospital began years earlier as a patient.

“She had a wonderful experience as a patient about five years ago,” said Patricia Aviles Perez, program manager for volunteer services. “She reached out and told me she had a Pomeranian and was interested in becoming part of the team.”

Aviles Perez said the moment Sheri brought the dogs, they were an immediate hit. She added that every time they come to campus, they lift the spirits of patients and team members — something you can see on their faces — and that their visits truly brighten each day.

Today, the Simons are a familiar and welcome presence across campus. Their journey into volunteering started with Dahlia’s love for attention.

“She likes to get pets from other people,” Sheri said. “We used to go to the mall every two days because she would look at me like she wanted to go out for some pets.”

Eventually, the couple realized they wanted to channel that energy into something more meaningful and began exploring opportunities to visit hospitals.

“I thought, well, let’s look into going to hospitals,” Sheri said.

After completing training, their first visit made an immediate impact.

Rory, the newest addition, is already following in Dahlia’s pawprints, alongside her sister Bijou. The family has three Pomeranians and rotates them for visits to ensure each dog can continue bringing joy.

For the Simons, volunteering has become deeply personal and rewarding.

“I can truly say it’s the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life,” Sheri said, adding that hearing someone say they made their day after a difficult moment is a wonderful feeling.

The impact extends beyond patients to team members, who often face long, demanding days.

“Watching Dahlia do what she does and seeing the joy on people’s faces — sometimes they cry because they’re so happy to see her — is uplifting and beautiful,” Sheri said.

David shares a similar perspective, emphasizing how the visits consistently bring smiles, regardless of how someone may be feeling that day.

“It really makes everybody smile, no matter how bad they’re feeling that day,” he said.

The couple makes it a point to visit team members, especially in high-stress areas like the emergency room, where Sheri said it is important to help keep team members emotionally healthy and supported.

As a retired firefighter, David understands the weight of those difficult moments.

“If we can just show up for a few minutes and bring a smile to their faces in the middle of a hard day, that’s a lot that we and our pets can do,” he said.

The program itself continues to grow. Aviles Perez said the hospital currently has four pet therapy teams and is looking to expand, noting that each visit visibly lifts the spirits of both patients and team members.

She added that even small moments of care and connection can have a meaningful impact, especially when someone may be going through something unseen.

For the Simons, Dahlia, Rory and Bijou are more than pets — they are partners in spreading comfort, connection and joy, one visit at a time, helping patients and team members feel whole.

Those interested in making a difference like the Simons can begin by completing the online volunteer orientation.