Making A Difference: Stormy Blue

Stormy Blue’s familiar face roams the halls of Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital. She’s always welcoming visitors, doctors, nurses and patients, both young and old. Including cancer patient Lorene Whitney.

“They understand you’re sick and there’s just something between you, there’s a connection” says Whitney.

On the other end of that leash is another familiar face, Tom Bailey. 10 years ago, Bailey got sick with Meningitis. He spent a week in the hospital without his loving companion.

“My dog, at the time, Dolly, couldn’t come see me and so when I got out, I said I know what I have to do” said Bailey.

Now, twice a week Bailey and his team of dogs volunteer at the hospital. He works as a certified evaluator for Therapy Dog International. The non-profit organization regulates, tests and registers therapy dogs for hospitals across the country.

“We take the place for a brief moment and we can help take their minds off their troubles” says Bailey.

Besides companionship, nurses say the visit physically changes the patient’s health.

“I see joy, I see happiness. It’s wonderful for patients to forget everything at that very moment right then and there” explains Registered Nurse Maryann Artuz.

In addition to being at least a year old, therapy dogs must be tested, evaluated and have a sound temperament.