Kiya & Cooper: Therapy dogs provide comfort & connection to patients and their families
- Jun 8, 2025
- 3 min read
Hydesville resident Allan Wiegman’s mother worked as a hospice nurse in Contra Costa County for many years. Now, he is volunteering with Hospice of Humboldt along with his dog, Kiya, as part of the nonprofit’s Pet Therapy Program.
“She (derived) great fulfillment from comforting patients and their families,” Wiegman said. “I saw this as an opportunity to carry forward her spirit of compassion, and it has truly been a rewarding experience.”
Hospice of Humboldt has been serving patients through their end-of-life journey, as well as their loved ones, since 1979. Its Pet Therapy Program started in 2017.
“The requirements for our therapy dogs are successful completion of Therapy Dogs International certification or equivalency, current vaccinations and (a) successful score on our in-house therapy dog assessment test. Along with this, the handler must be trained as a patient care volunteer,” said Kathy Evansizer, volunteer coordinator of the Hospice of Humboldt Pet Therapy Program.
Through this program, therapy dogs visit with patients not only at the Ida Emmerson Hospice House on the Hospice of Humboldt campus in Eureka, but also in skilled nursing facilities and residential care facilities — “wherever our patients call home,” said Tia Baratelle, director of development for Hospice of Humboldt.
Therapy dogs help to ease isolation, reduce anxiety and support emotional well-being, Baratelle said.
“They offer non-verbal companionship that can be especially meaningful at the end of life,” she explained. “Patients who may not feel up to talking often light up when Kiya enters the room, and many families are comforted just by her presence.”
Currently, there are two therapy dogs involved in the Hospice of Humboldt program. Cooper – an Australian shepherd – is Hospice’s newest therapy dog and volunteers alongside owner Sarah Bartlett. Kiya, a 9-year-old golden retriever “known for her friendly temperament, intelligence and loving nature,” has been part of the Pet Therapy Program along with Wiegman for over a year, Baratelle said.
“Kiya joined Hospice of Humboldt to help fulfill our mission of providing heartfelt care to patients and families,” Baratelle said. “Her visits provide a meaningful source of comfort and connection, especially for those facing serious illness.”
Kiya and Wiegman – a “dedicated Hospice patient care volunteer” – visit Hospice of Humboldt patients together typically once or twice a week, Baratelle said.
“Kiya provides gentle companionship and unconditional affection,” she said. “Her calming presence often lifts spirits and fosters a sense of peace for patients, families and staff alike.
“Allan and Kiya work as a team to provide visits full of warmth, connection and care,” Baratelle added.
Wiegman says he and Kiya got involved with the Hospice of Humboldt program after he was contacted by the staff to see if they would be interested in joining the Pet Therapy Program team.
“They had contacted Janna Campillo of Redwood Coast K9 Academy to inquire about recommending therapy dogs, and Janna, knowing both Kiya and me through classes and other professional contacts, connected us with Hospice,” said Wiegman, who trained Kiya, who successfully passed the Therapy Dogs International test in November 2019, officially certifying her as a therapy dog.
“The bond we share has allowed us to bring joy to many,” Wiegman said. “As I often say, it is a win for everyone involved. The smiles, enthusiasm and love from patients and their families are incredibly fulfilling. It’s truly a privilege to contribute in such a meaningful way of serving others during their ‘comfort care’ days. The emotional impact is profound, and it’s incredibly moving to witness the comfort Kiya brings to those around us. Kiya provides a source of companionship and support which brings immeasurable comfort and warmth to Hospice patients.”
This article originally appeared in the Times-Standard.
