Canine comfort: Therapy dogs at UPMC cancer center bring soothing and smiles

She’s big, furry and makes people smile.

The 115-pound canine walks through the halls of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Shadyside every Thursday.

As the animal strolls with owner Amy Bischoff, the pair certainly draw attention.

They’re stopped within the first few steps. Questions are asked.

What is the dog’s name? What breed? May I pet the dog?

Her name is Olive, and she’s a Newfoundland. And yes, she would love for someone to stroke her back and rub her head.

Olive, who will be 10 in December, is a therapy dog who was trained at the Pittsburgh location of Therapy Dogs United.

Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review

Amy Bischoff of Wilkinsburg holds the leash of her therapy dog, Olive, a 9-year-old Newfoundland, inside UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Shadyside on Aug. 6, 2021. Bischoff, a cancer patient, brings Olive to the center to lift the spirits of other cancer patients.

When Olive was in training, a representative from UPMC Hillman came and spoke about the therapy program. Since Bischoff had a connection at UPMC Hillman, she reached out and decided to participate in the pet therapy program.

Olive is the seventh Newfoundland for Bischoff, 61 of Wilkinsburg and second therapy dog.

Olive is comforting to everyone, said Bischoff, who knows that first hand. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, and it returned last year in a more aggressive form.

When she got the diagnosis, she turned to her Newfoundland for comfort. The dog helped her so much that she decided to get another puppy — Olive — and train her in pet therapy.

All while going through treatment. According to the American Kennel Club, the breed is perfect as a therapy pet. These dogs are sweet, devoted and patient.

Olive brings comfort, said Alicia Beattie, one of the unit directors for UPMC Hillman.

“They provide happy moments for patients who might be nervous or not sure about how they will feel after treatment,” Beattie said. “They can also be a welcome distraction.”

Olive has lots of friends from the staff to patients, Bischoff said. That’s one reason Bischoff brings Olive every week.

She and Olive continued to visit each week until the pandemic hit.

In March 2020, the volunteer programs, which included the therapy dogs, were halted because of covid-19. UPMC Hillman had life-size cutouts made of some of the pet therapy dogs to place around the building.

The thought was for patients and staff to still see the dogs as a reminder that the animals still were part of the volunteer team.

Bischoff contacted UPMC Hillman to be able to bring Olive back in June. Bischoff said the quality of the medical treatment she received at UPMC Hillman inspired her to give back by volunteering.

“I have had people tell me Olive made their day, and this is just what I needed today,” Bischoff said.

She started treatment, and when she got word pet therapy could restart, she jumped at the chance. She said it’s an opportunity to comfort patients and to thank the staff who are taking care of “me once again,” she said.

“We hope that the therapy dogs like Olive make people happy,” said Rachel Wyzkoski, volunteer coordinator for UPMC Hillman. “She is calming and helps people relax. The dogs are so uplifting, and people can’t wait to see them. They look for them.”

There are eight therapy dogs.

Della Skeria and her mother, Leota McMillen of Somerset, who both have been treated at UPMC Hillman, got down on the floor to pet and play with the animal.

“She is beautiful,” McMillen said.

“I love this dog,” Skeria said. “I have a cat at home, and she is therapy for me. Pets help to take the worries away.”

Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review

Amy Bischoff of Wilkinsburg (left) stands with her therapy dog, Olive, a 9-year-old Newfoundland, as the dog is petted by Dr. Vikram Gorantla inside UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Shadyside on Aug. 6, 2021. Bischoff, a cancer patient, brings Olive to the center to lift the spirits of other cancer patients.

A dog is a man’s, and woman’s, best friend, said Dr. Vikram C. Gorantla, oncologist at UPMC Hillman.

“These dogs give unconditional love,” said Gorantla, as he watched Skeria and McMillen on the floor petting Olive. “This right here is a beautiful sight. Animals can sense things.”

He said at the end of the day, it’s not just about oncology. It’s about talking to patients and understanding the person they are, and it’s about empathy.

Cancer does not define them.

“These dogs help relieve stress and are immune boosters,” Gorantla said. “Everyone should have a pet. We are lucky to have Olive.”