Heidi, Eger Health Care & Rehab Center

Eger Care and Rehabilitation Center on Staten Island is blessed with pet therapy dogs. We have a number of beautiful canines visiting our residents, bringing them enjoyment and fun. Twice a year we gather them for our Annual Pet Parade in May, and the Blessing of Animals in October. Residents'  families and Eger's staff bring their loved ones to these events, and residents enjoy over 25 pets.

Heidi, Eger Health Care & Rehab Center

Heidi is one of the pet therapy dogs. She is a toy poodle who became our pet therapy dog four years ago. She is 5 ½ years old, 10 pounds and is called a party-poodle because of her coloring (black and white). "Heidi absolutely loves being a pet therapy dog", says her owner Patti Goebel. "She has made so many wonderful friends and is always treated like a princess. The rewards of having a pet therapy dog are unbelievable. You meet so many amazing people and are always greeted with a warm smile or a kind word. You see patient's eyes light up when Heidi enters a room and sometimes puts her paw out to greet them. The patients are always thrilled to see Heidi and what outfit she is wearing. The joy Heidi brings them is returned to both of us immensely with their "thank you" for making their day.

Submitted by:

Tatyana Moysa
Eger Care and Rehabilitation Center
Staten Island, NY