Amalie is in training to be a therapy dog, and provides emotional support to staff and patients at the hospital. AdventHealth began welcoming therapy dogs in its hospitals during the pandemic to boost spirits.
The dog was a gift from the Barkett family, which owns Tampa-based Amalie Oil. Her handler, Kelly McBreen, works in regional physician relations for AdventHealth’s West Florida division, according to her LinkedIn profile.
“Healthcare is a tough place to work these days,” Charity Carlisle, BSN, RN, the hospital’s chief nursing officer, told the news station. “So Amalie really helps brighten everyone’s mood and spirit.”
