Meet Ali and Rosie
Ali has been serving as a Case Manager at Four Seasons and wanted to expand her impact by volunteering as a Pet Therapy team member. Ali and her therapy dog, Buffalo Rose—affectionately known as Rosie. Her beloved Rosie, after rescuing her, proved to be the perfect partner. “Rosie was street-smart but calm,” Ali recalls. Ali and Rosie now provide pet therapy at College Walk, The Lodge, and Elizabeth House. Ali wanted to continue her role as a Case Manager while also sharing Rosie’s gift for comforting others. “Holding both roles at Four Seasons felt right,” she says.
Rosie’s calm demeanor and intuitive nature make her ideal for hospice settings. Ali shares, “She’s the most wonderful and helpful therapy dog. Her determination to help people could not be suppressed.” Ali recalls a powerful moment when Rosie visited a patient who had just passed away. Rosie gently sat with the patient’s daughter, offering comfort during an incredibly difficult time. “Rosie was able to calm her that afternoon,” Ali says. “It was a reminder of the profound impact pets can have.”
The Power of Pet Therapy
Pet therapy brings joy and peace, especially for those who once had pets but can no longer care for them. “It’s a wonderful gift,” Ali explains. “It helps people find comfort again.” Volunteering with Rosie has taught Ali how to deepen her relationship and deepen her sense of empathy. She reflects on the old saying: “If I could be half the person my dog is, I’d be twice the human I am.” Many patients simplify their lives as their health changes, which often means rehoming beloved pets. Pet therapy fills that void, offering companionship and emotional support when it’s needed most. “Rosie is proof that any dog with the right temperament can make a difference.”
