Paws With Purpose

A Small Dog with a Big Heart Bringing Comfort to Mobile Healthcare Patients

When it comes to making a difference, size doesn’t matter and Mirabelle, a four-and-a-half-year-old Boston Terrier, proves that every week. Weighing just 17 pounds, Mirabelle has a caring, calming, and nurturing energy that instantly puts people at ease. Her owner, Michael Emer, recognized her special gift and decided to share it with others by becoming a Pet Therapy Volunteer with Ennoble Care. 

For over a year, Michael and Mirabelle have been visiting patients in assisted living communities as part of Ennoble Care’s mobile healthcare services. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to bring comfort, connection and moments of joy to patients who may not otherwise have access to the unconditional love of a dog.

The Power of Therapy Dogs in Facility Settings

Therapy dogs like Mirabelle are more than just friendly visitors, they are an integral part of holistic patient care. In assisted living facilities and hospice care environments, therapy dogs can:

• Reduce stress and anxiety through gentle interaction
• Spark cherished memories of past pets or family moments
• Encourage social engagement between patients, staff, and other residents
• Provide a calming presence during emotionally challenging times

Michael has seen a wide range of reactions to Mirabelle’s visits. Some patients are shy at first, while others greet her with excitement. No matter the initial response, Mirabelle has an incredible ability to put a smile on people’s faces and create a sense of warmth and connection.

More Than Companionship: Emotional and Physical Benefits

The benefits of therapy dogs go beyond companionship. Research shows that spending time with a calm, friendly dog can lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate and even encourage light physical activity. For patients receiving mobile healthcare services, this can mean gentle walks, grooming activities or simply reaching out to pet the dog. All of these small actions can make a big difference in a patients’ well-being.

On an emotional level, therapy dogs provide a nonjudgmental presence that helps ease feelings of loneliness and isolation. For patients in hospice care or those managing chronic illness, the comfort of a therapy dog can be a profound source of support.

A Volunteer’s Perspective

For Michael, volunteering with Mirabelle has been an incredibly rewarding experience. He dedicates 30–60 minutes each week to visit patients, knowing that even a short interaction can brighten someone’s entire day.

“I have been volunteering with Ennoble Care for over a year, bringing my therapy dog Mirabelle to visit patients at various assisted living communities. Mirabelle is really the one who encouraged me to volunteer because she has so much love to give. At only 17 pounds, she has such a caring, calming, and nurturing energy that I have been so fortunate to know and experience every day. I realized that there are those who are not as fortunate to have access to that kind of love, so I wanted to be able to give that back. My time volunteering has been incredible and extremely fulfilling as it gives me the opportunity to give back and spend time with one of my favorite beings in the world: Mirabelle!”

Michael’s commitment also highlights the flexibility of the Pet Therapy Volunteer Program. Volunteers can integrate visits into their own schedules, making it possible for people with busy lives to still make a meaningful impact.

Becoming a Pet Therapy Volunteer

Ennoble Care’s Pet Therapy Volunteer Program welcomes individuals who want to share the joy of their certified therapy dogs with patients in mobile healthcare or facility settings. Volunteers receive guidance, support and the opportunity to work alongside healthcare teams to ensure each visit is tailored to the patient’s needs.

Whether you have a small dog like Mirabelle or a larger breed, the most important qualities are a gentle temperament, patience and a love for connecting with people.

Making a Difference, One Wag at a Time

Therapy dogs like Mirabelle remind us that healthcare is not only about medical treatment, it’s also about compassion, connection and quality of life. In assisted living and at-home healthcare environments, these visits can bring moments of happiness that patients and families treasure.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining Ennoble Care’s Pet Therapy Volunteer Program or serving as a regular volunteer, we invite you to learn more and discover how you can help bring joy, comfort and healing to patients, one wagging tail at a time.