CROWN POINT – The Franciscan Health Pet Therapy Program received a $13,000 boost thanks to a donation from the newly established Franciscan Health Foundation Circle of 1875.
The Pet Therapy program, which is fueled entirely by volunteers, is nearly 10 years old and boasts 16 volunteers and 17 dogs. It provides visits for interested patients, family members and staff at Franciscan Health’s Crown Point, Dyer, and Munster hospitals as well as the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) program in Dyer.
A 2024 analysis of 16 studies published in the National Institutes of Health found therapy dogs to be an effective intervention in promoting well-being among patients with a variety of physical and mental health issues. Another study published in 2022 by PLOS found that spending just 10 minutes with a therapy dog produced clinically significant improvements in pain, anxiety, depression and overall well-being.
“They aren’t just dogs, they’re healers,” said Pet Therapy Program founder Julie Canady, who is also a handler and trainer.
The Circle of 1875 - named for the year the first Franciscan hospital opened in Lafayette - is a women’s giving circle dedicated to supporting Franciscan’s mission and programs in the community. Members pledge to donate a minimum of $1,000 each calendar year.
Other Circles have existed in Indiana communities served by Franciscan, but this is the first year for the organization at the Franciscan Health Foundation of Northern Indiana. The new Circle currently has 12 members.
The Circle hears proposals annually from various Franciscan Health departments and programs in Northern Indiana seeking funding to advance or enhance their efforts. Circle members then cast their votes for the winning project, which receives their funding.
The vote for the Pet Therapy Program, the first project to benefit from the new Circle of 1875, was unanimous.
“Quality healthcare is core to our community and Franciscan Health is an outstanding organization,” said Violet Sistovaris, retired NiSource executive vice president and inaugural member of the Circle of 1875. “When the Circle of 1875 was first introduced, I was attracted to its mission of bringing women together to help further healthcare in NWI. I was sold on the Pet Therapy Program as the Circle’s first recipient when I heard about the compassionate support the animals and their owners provide to patients in need.”
Donated funds will be used for supplies, certifications, training, vaccinations, gas cards and branded shirts for volunteers.
Canady, who is also an administrative assistant for Franciscan Alliance, said she would also like the funds to support expanded community engagement, pediatric visits and educational seminars for participating volunteers.
Canady thanked the Franciscan Health Foundation and Circle of 1875 members for their support, saying she believes the funding can help fuel expansion of the program with the recruitment of additional volunteers.
“Their support helps bring comfort, connection and joy to patients, families and staff through the incredible work of our therapy dogs,” Canady said. “Thanks to their generosity, we will be able to provide resources for training, animal care and community outreach, ensuring each visit is a meaningful experience for all involved.”
Franciscan Health Foundation Executive Director Rick Peltier echoed Canady’s appreciation for the philanthropic inaugural class of the Circle of 1875, saying the goal is to grow membership in the organization year over year. Anyone interested in joining the Circle of 1875 or in learning more about the Franciscan Health Foundation may call (219) 661-3401.
Donations to the Pet Therapy Program can be made online by selecting Northern Indiana and Pet Therapy through the drop down menu or by calling the Foundation at (219) 661-3401. To learn more about the Pet Therapy Program, call Julie Canady at (219) 226-3469.
Caption: Franciscan Health Munster Environmental Services Associate Diane Sandoval, left, pets Mary Hires’ dog, Molly, during a visit from the Pet Therapy Program earlier this year.
