"I always tell people he's Batman at work, but he's Darth Vader at home," said Gina Paul, Franco's handler and a volunteer with the Heavenly Hounds Program. "He's very active. He loves a ball. He thinks he's a bird dog. He loves to look out the windows, looking for pigeons on the ledge."
When the cape is on and the badge is clipped, Franco is ready to get to work, bringing smiles on the faces of both patients and hospital workers.
"We just love walking down the halls and making people happy," said Paul.
Franco is one of 12 Heavenly Hounds at St. Agnes Medical Center. Paul has been volunteering with the program for about 10 years.
Franco, along with the other therapy dogs, helps boost morale around the hospital.
Brandon Miller is the Volunteer Services Manager and oversees the program.
"If they're having a rough day, sometimes just one of the Heavenly Hounds coming by, for them to interact with can change their day and make it positive," said Miller.
The Heavenly Hounds program started at St. Agnes back in 2007 after the hospital saw the need. Therapy dogs can help a person's mental well-being.
"Patients who are going into surgery, it's a great stress relief for them," said Paul. "It takes their mind off 'I'm about to have surgery or a procedure.'"
Anyone, from hospital staff to patients, can request a Heavenly Hound.
"I know in our Emergency Room department, sometimes things can get really stressful there," said Miller. "They are one of the frequent requesters of Heavenly Hounds."
Before the pandemic, there were more dogs in the Heavenly Hounds program, with the group now working to grow their numbers and welcome more furry friends.
"If you think your dog can work in public, please get them out," said Paul, "Get them socialized and get them tested."
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