Meet Cindy and Stella
Cindy rescued Stella when she was just eight weeks old, and from the very beginning, Stella showed a gentle and loving nature. When Stella was about a year old, Cindy’s best friend was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. During visits, Cindy noticed how Stella instinctively curled up beside her friend, offering comfort during a difficult time. That experience inspired Cindy to pursue pet therapy training for Stella in Florida.
After completing training, Stella began visiting patients in hospitals, where her calm and affectionate temperament shone. A few years later, Cindy and Stella moved to Western North Carolina. Thanks to a neighbor who worked at Four Seasons, Cindy discovered the perfect opportunity for Stella to continue her mission of bringing joy and comfort to patients at Elizabeth House.
Seeing the profound impact therapy dogs had on patients during her friend’s illness and in hospitals, Cindy knew Stella could make a difference. “Watching Stella bring joy and peace to others is a gift,” Cindy shares. From the start, Stella had the ideal temperament for hospice and palliative care settings—gentle, intuitive, and patient. Cindy recalls, “When I was sick, Stella never left my side. She just knows when someone needs comfort. She walks right up to wheelchairs and hospital beds, gently kissing a patient’s hand as if to say, ‘I’m here for you.’” These small gestures bring immense calm and joy during life’s most challenging moments.
For Cindy, volunteering as a pet therapy team member has been deeply rewarding. “Stella brings happiness to patients and families, and watching her provide relief and richness to life brings me joy, too.” One of Cindy’s most cherished memories is when Stella met a young girl at EH. “It was a beautiful encounter,” Cindy says, “Stella approached the girl with her usual calmness, creating a moment of connection that touched everyone present.”
Advice for Aspiring Volunteers
“If you’re thinking of being a pet therapy volunteer, you’ll know if your dog has the right temperament,” Cindy advises. “Start by helping them feel comfortable around wheelchairs and hospital beds; it’s a great first step.”
