Anastasia, Three Rivers Hospice

Anastasia is a European Rottweiler who works solely for Three Rivers Hospice and Family Home Health Services. She is a Certified Therapy Dog who, along with her owner and trainer Laura Sokolovic, visits people in long-term care facilities and hospitals to “bring smiles to those who need them.”

Anastasia, Three Rivers Hospice

When Anastasia visits facilities, she always dresses in something memorable. Whether Anastasia is wearing her shamrock covered tee-shirt and sunglasses for Saint Patrick Day’s or her red, white and blue dress, scarf and star-covered hat for July 4th, she always makes a lasting impression and brings smiles, love and laughter to everyone she meets.

It is not uncommon for Anastasia to light up the faces of residents who haven’t smiled in quite some time when they have the opportunity to get some hugs and kisses from their new furry friend. During a recent visit to a facility a resident remarked with excitement, after receiving a kiss from Anastasia, that he couldn’t remember the last time he had been kissed.

Anastasia is also a local celebrity, having been on television twice and appearing many times in numerous local newspapers. She even has her own calendar, “Anastasia and Friends”, where she is featured visiting some of her favorite facilities and their residents.

Submitted by:

Laura A. Sokolovic
Director, Public Relations & Pet Therapy Program
Three Rivers Hospice
North Versailles, PA