Eating cake, photo courtesy Queen’s North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital

(BIVN) – April 30th was declared Pet Therapy Day in the County of Hawaiʻi, and Queen’s North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital in Waimea held an event to mark the occasion.

From a Queen’s North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital news release:

A special celebration was held at Queen’s North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital as staff and visitors gathered to honor and thank the hospital’s four-legged volunteers as part of National Pet Therapy Day.

Festivities included treats for humans and pets alike, along with a proclamation from Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth proclaiming April 30 as Pet Therapy Day, a specially baked dog cake, and goody bags for the animals. Staff members got to visit with the specially-trained animals, thank them for their service, and take selfies with their favorite teams!

Marilyn and Adaka at the cookie table, photo courtesy Queen’s North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital

Queen’s North Hawai’i Community Hospital’s pet therapy program consists of dogs teams as well as a miniature horse. Teams visit with patients, visitors and staff, bringing comfort, healing and joy to all.

Anyone interested in training and registering their pet as a pet therapy animal team can learn more at petpartners.org.