IMPACT UPDATE

Facility Dog Program at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP)

Prepared for:

June 2026

Dear HOPE in the AIR team,

It’s me—Thaddeus! I’ve had such a paws-itively wonderful first year at HUP, alongside my best friend Bella (she’s also my mom and the Facility Dog Program Coordinator–she can do it all!) We've been busy making our rounds—from supporting patients in physical therapy, to sitting beside those navigating difficult diagnoses, to boosting morale during Paw-ffice Hours with staff. Over the past year alone, 10,000 patients and families have visited the Family Caregiver Centers at HUP, where my office is located...that adds up to a lot of belly rubs! I’ve had the chance to meet many of them and offer a bit of comfort, even in brief moments.

I may be just one dog, but with HOPE in the AIR's support, I’ve been able to make a meaningful difference. As we look ahead to the next chapter, I’m excited to keep showing up, making new friends, and supporting patients along the way.

Thank you for believing in me and this program from the very beginning.

Woof,

Thaddeus

Paging Dr. Dog!

As we celebrate the first impactful year of the Facility Dog Program at HUP, we are reflecting on the incredible difference Thaddeus and Bella Villamor, the Facility Dog Program Coordinator and Thaddeus’s handler, have made across the Penn Medicine community. Their visits offer more than comfort—they bring moments of calm, connection, and even a little joy when it’s needed most.

Please watch the video below for a glimpse into Thaddeus’s role at Penn Medicine–plus a special message just for you!

“My patient reported feeling sad and stressed about being in the hospital, and Thaddeus was something he looked forward to and brightened his day."

Year in Review

In its first year, the Facility Dog Program at HUP has brought moments of comfort, connection, and relief to patients, families, and staff alike. These outcomes offer a glimpse into the lives Thaddeus and Bella have touched—and the meaningful difference their presence can make during even the most difficult moments.

200+ Patient Interactions

Targeting anxiety relief, emotional regulation, companionship, ambulatory encouragement, cognitive regulation, and therapy session involvement

134+ SOAR

Visits

Providing engaging stimulation for the Supporting Older Adults at Risk (SOAR) program, helping patients recover safely and reduce hospital readmission rates

150+ Family & Caregiver Interactions

Offering emotional support and comfort to families of patients, including bereavement visits after losing a loved one or for patients entering hospice

500+ Staff

Interactions

Boosting well-being among clinical staff through “Paw‑ffice Hours,” with rotating visits to lift morale and support teams after challenging patient outcomes

Accomplishments

Click the drop-down buttons below to read more.

"My patient was so excited to see Thaddeus and then we were able to get her to walk down the hall. She was so motivated and did really well. I was so surprised she was willing to get up and move around."

Thank you for your support of the Facility Dog Program at HUP.

Your generosity has made Thaddeus and Bella’s work possible, helping to deliver the kind of comfort and joy only a wagging tail can bring. We are so grateful for our partnership with HOPE in the AIR and look forward to the impact the program will have in the years to come.