Improving Health Through Pet Pals

Author Nora Roberts once said “Everything I know, I learned from dogs.”  If you ask Linda Perdue, she likely would agree.

Linda is the Volunteer Pet Pals Coordinator, and if you’re lucky enough to be visited by one of our many Pet Pals teams, you’ve likely met Linda.

Linda began volunteering more than 25 years ago at Roanoke Community Hospital while she was still a middle school teacher. She began at the main desk, and slowly followed her heart to Pet Pals, where the program started with a one-hour visit once a week to the Pediatrics unit.

Since expanding to CRMH and the surrounding campus, Linda tours 3-4 times weekly with Pet Pals. She trains new volunteers in the program and works hard to accommodate the many requests for dog visits received.

According to Linda, volunteering with Pet Pals is the “best thing I’ve ever done!” She could write a book about the impact our furry friends have on patients, staff, and visitors.  Her stories tell of hope, and healing. One of her most memorable Pet Pals experiences was with a young teen who was in a coma. While a Pet Pals team was visiting his room, he placed his hand on the visiting dog and suddenly woke up.

Linda sees firsthand the difference a dog can make in reducing stress for staff. “When visiting with staff, it’s not uncommon to hear things like, ‘We needed this so badly today,’ or ‘This is the best part of my day!’ ” 

Thank you, Linda, for your compassion and loyalty to our Pet Pals program!