In this week's heartwarming holiday episode of PX Space, host Linda Robinson speaks with Mayo Clinic Rochester's Animal-Assisted Services Coordinator, Whitney Romine, MPH, C-AAIS. With a remarkable 13-year tenure as a hospital-based therapy animal program advisor and volunteer coordinator, Whitney brings a wealth of experience and passion to the discussion.

Whitney's journey unfolds with vivid tales of her discovery of the Volunteer Services profession and hands-on involvement in an Animal Assisted Support program, where volunteers, accompanied by their dogs, provided heartwarming visits to patients. As she reflects on her early experiences, Whitney fondly recalls coordinating her first Pet Partners evaluation event and attending a life-changing conference where a leader in animal-assisted therapy shared an inspiring story of how he and his parrot connected with patients. Her firsthand account of these events emphasizes the dedication required to cultivate positive human-animal relationships and ensure the success of therapy dog teams.

Whitney shares her commitment to advancing animal-assisted programs beyond traditional models, envisioning collaborations with clinicians and integration into treatment activities. Her enthusiasm for innovation is paired with a strong emphasis on ensuring the welfare and enjoyment of the animals involved.

Tune in for heart-warming stories of transformation, compassion, and the extraordinary impact that animal-assisted support programs can have on individuals seeking comfort and support in healthcare settings.