And therapy work just was the best of both worlds for me," she said. "I really just enjoyed older adults, and I enjoyed animals. It’s work Johnson said she knew she was meant for. Research has suggested therapy animals can increase levels of the hormone oxytocin in humans, which makes humans feel happy. He also frequents hospices in Wisconsin’s Fox Valley.Īnd during Johnson’s time in Minnesota, Fitzgerald made the Wall Street Journal after he visited the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus for therapy work with students there. "We have had some really fantastic experiences there."įitzgerald even made the local news for his visits there. "He sits with people who are getting chemo," Johnson said. Three are still alive today.įitzgerald’s most consistent visits are to the ThedaCare Regional Cancer Center in Appleton once a week. Over the years, her work has traveled with her from her Oconomowoc home throughout Wisconsin and even during a brief move to Minnesota.ĭuring those 25 years, she has raised 11 therapy dogs. Johnson has been a therapy dog owner and trainer for more than 25 years. "That’s the ethical component to therapy dog work that’s sometimes missing." "What we really want in a dog is one who inherently finds joy in visiting with others," Johnson said. It’s all part of the job, and Fitzgerald William loves it, says owner Molly Johnson.
When the basset hound walks into a room, chocolate-colored and droopy, people smile.
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