
Uncertain and afraid, a young patient at a local hospital lifted her downcast eyes when she heard the telltale pitter-patter of paws on the hospital floor. Almost instantly, her fears were forgotten. Shooting up in her bed, she squeals in joy when a dog comes, tail wagging, to make a special visit just to see her. In that moment, fear had fled, and the unconditional love of a dog had saved the day.
It may sound like a “fairytail,” but it is one of many real-life experiences that are happening at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) hospitals and campuses across the Commonwealth of Virginia, and most recently, at the VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital. It is all part of an amazing outreach program through the Center for Human-Animal Interaction (CHAI) that started more than 20-years-ago and has grown to become one of the most beneficial in-hospital therapy dog programs in the nation; Dogs on Call.
Making a difference, one wagging tail at a time, Dogs on Call (DOC) is a special program that taps into the joy and comfort of human-animal interaction to enhance the well-being of patients, visitors, staff and students.

Kepler
Therapy dogs become vital sources of support, offering a soothing break and fostering resilience.
Under the guidance of Dr. Nancy Gee, Professor of Psychiatry, Bill Balaban Chair in Human-Animal Interaction, and the Director of the Center for Human-Animal Interaction (CHAI) at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, the program has proven that not only do the therapy dogs involved with the program create a wonderful boost in a patient’s emotional wellbeing, but there are also physical benefits, which are astounding. Interaction with the animals creates many health benefits.
“Research has shown physiological indicators of stress reduction, such as decreased cortisol (our stress hormone), increased oxytocin (often dubbed the “love hormone”) and decreased blood pressure as a result of interacting with dogs,” Gee said in a recent interview, adding that studies have shown “decreased pain when dogs visited children in a hospital setting.”
Studies have long shown that animals can have a profound impact on our lives and reveal that spending time with pets can reduce anxiety and elevate mood. This blend of science and compassion is what fuels initiatives like Dogs on Call.
At VCU, addressing mental health needs has become increasingly crucial, especially as statistics show rising levels of anxiety and depression are reaching an alarming level across the nation, as well as globally. Dogs on Call steps in with a simple yet powerful remedy: the unconditional love of a therapy dog.
These dogs change the atmosphere the moment they walk into a hospital, and there is no better proof than when Deezel walks into Tappahannock Hospital, with his handler Crystal Langford in tow. From the moment his paws hit the pavement in the parking lot - the magic begins.
“When he gets his vest on (all dogs will be wearing a blue DOC vest, and their handlers will be wearing a blue shirt with the CHAI logo), a switch comes on, and he is so excited to go to work,” Langford said. “It is truly amazing what I have seen and experienced with Deezel.”
Langford and Deezel, a beautiful golden retriever with an unmistakable doggie smile, visit the hospital twice a week. Their visits are carefully coordinated so that there is no contact with food or exposure to surgeries in process. Deezel will tour through the hospital, visiting patients - many of whom relay that the visits are the most amazing part of their stay.
In just one day, Deezel can see north of 15 patients, and then there is the staff. Being so well loved comes with lots of perks, including attention from the doctors, nurses and other hospital workers. It is not unusual for Deezel to give that same level of joy and stress reduction to everyone on duty as the patients.
Although each visit is special, Langford gets emotional when recounting a recent call that touched the hearts of everyone who had the gift of witnessing the event.
“We had been asked to visit the emergency room where a patient was crying and having a very rough time,” Langford explained. “The girl was so upset, but her eyes lit up when we came in and she said ‘It’s a dog! Can I pet it?”’
Langford was looking around and trying to figure out how to position the dog so that the girl could reach him through the railings, but when she turned around - Deezel had already taken care of the situation.
“I looked, and he already had his head in her lap,” Langford said, adding that the moment was undeniably beautiful, and the reason why she and Deezel, who both went through rigorous training to be a part of DOC, do what they do.
The success of the program relies on amazing therapy dogs like Deezel and their devoted handlers. Each dog undergoes the training to handle different environments and personalities with ease. Many breeds like golden retrievers and labradors are known for their friendly nature and their knack for sensing human emotions. The humans also go through in-depth training and become stewards of the program.
Handlers, often volunteers from the community like Langford, are joined by others from the university—students, faculty, and alumni alike— who all share a love for animals and a commitment to mental health. Many of whom have their own stories of how therapy dogs helped them, inspiring them to give back.
Dogs on Call hosts a variety of engaging activities that bring the community together while providing stress relief. Events like “Paws for Stress” during mid-terms and final exams let students unwind with the therapy dogs, filling the space with laughter, and cuddles.
Faculty integrate therapy dogs into classroom settings during these high-stress times. “The energy shifts dramatically when the dogs come in,” observed VCU Professor John Eldridge. “Just a few minutes with a dog can recharge students and help them refocus on their studies.” These sessions showcase just how universally loved our furry friends are.
Additionally, Dogs on Call reaches out to local schools and sister hospitals, spreading joy wherever possible. Through these efforts, the program connects DOC handlers and the stars - their dogs - with the community and teaches invaluable lessons in compassion and support, highlighting the powerful bonds between humans and animals.

Homer
As with any mental health initiative, understanding its impact is vital. Dogs on Call regularly collects feedback through surveys and informal chats, and the results are overwhelmingly positive. Many patients report feeling less anxious and more ready to proceed with medical plans, including surgery and long-term medical care and plans, after interacting with the dogs.
This is something that Gee hopes can soon become a clearly recognized medical benefit.
As an expert in the importance of animals in mental health treatment, Gee served as the lead editor for The Role of Companion Animals in the Treatment of Mental Disorders, the first book published by the American Psychiatric Association on this topic.
Co-editors include Lisa Townsend, Ph.D., from Children’s Hospital of Richmond, and Robert Findling, M.D., chair of VCU’s Department of Psychiatry. Together, they authored chapters and collaborated with global researchers to highlight the connection between psychiatry and human-animal interaction.
The book aims to underscore the critical role animals can play in supporting mental health. Townsend states, “I hope that sharing evidence-based knowledge encourages caregivers to explore clients’ relationships with animals, ultimately improving the well-being of both people and their animal companions.”
“As future doctors, I want our medical students to see how these animals can be deployed routinely, and safely, in medical situations,” Gee says. “There’s something special about the Dogs on Call experience, and we’re capturing that with our research.”
As the demand for mental health support grows, the future of Dogs on Call looks bright. VCU plans to expand the program to reach more patients, and Langford is encouraging anyone interested to reach out, as they need more local volunteer dog/handler teams.
“I am just here to hold the leash,” Langford said. “That day we left the emergency room - that one day - it is those kinds of things that make this all so amazing. A dog can just completely change how a patient is feeling. It is beautiful.”
Currently, collaborations with pet training organizations are in the works to help create a pipeline to bring therapy dogs and their handlers into the Dogs on Call program. At the end of the day, they strive to promote empathy and respect for all living beings.
As Dogs on Call flourishes at VCU, there is a growing desire to advocate for therapy animals in various settings. By engaging local policymakers and academic bodies, the program aims to highlight the positive effects of therapy animals in medical environments, potentially influencing legislation to support their safe inclusion and involvement.
In a fast-paced, often isolating world, the Dogs on Call program at VCU stands as a testament to the healing power of human-animal interaction. The joy brought by these therapy dogs, coupled with the dedication of their handlers, creates an environment where individuals feel safe, supported and understood.
By weaving therapy dogs into hospital life, VCU showcases its commitment to prioritizing mental health and fostering a nurturing community. These dogs are non-judgmental companions, offering solace during stressful moments.
As Dogs on Call continues to grow and inspire, it reinforces a simple yet profound truth: sometimes, the most impactful joys—like the gentle nudge of a dog’s nose or the warmth of a wagging tail—can significantly enhance our lives. In a changing world, this program reminds us of the lasting bonds we can form with each other and with the animals that enrich our lives. With every wag and woof, Dogs on Call paves the way for brighter days ahead, proving that love and support can come in the most delightful packages—on four paws. For mor information, please visit: https://chai.vcu.edu/dogs-on-call/