In the quiet moments of hospice care, where comfort and connection mean everything, a small black-and-white Pomeranian named Suzy is making an extraordinary impact. With her gentle demeanor and steadfast patience, Suzy bri
ngs joy, nostalgia and a sense of peace to our patients and their families at Compassus in Newton Square, PA, thanks to the dedication of her owner and handler, Linda Schatzle.
Linda is a Compassus volunteer who has been bringing her 11-year-old Suzy to visit patients in need of companionship and support for seven years. Linda’s journey into pet therapy started years ago when she witnessed firsthand the power of animal companionship.
“I became interested in pet therapy when my late husband was in rapidly declining health in a nursing facility,” Linda explained. “A volunteer brought a black Lab in to visit, and I realized what an impact it made on patients and family members.”
It was that moment that sparked Linda’s commitment to pet therapy. After discovering an opportunity through an email from the organization that certified Suzy as a therapy dog, Linda knew she had found her calling. “Compassus was looking for volunteers with therapy dogs, and I responded,” Linda said.
Suzy has become an integral part of Compassus’ volunteer program. “I say that she identifies as a pure-bred Pom, but I’m not sure exactly how ‘pure bred’ she really is!,” Linda laughed. “She was born to be a therapy dog—calm, quiet and willing to sit on a lap or on a bed for as long as the resident wants to hold and stroke her.”
For Linda, the work is incredibly rewarding. “Being a Pet Therapist is so rewarding,” she said. “I love how everyone responds to Suzy—residents and staff adore her, and she always gets a positive and excited response from everyone.”
When Suzy enters a room, the transformation is immediate. “Every resident lights up, smiles and talks to her,” Linda said. “I fully admit to being the ‘extra’ in the visits—Suzy is the star!”
For many patients, the connection with Suzy is more than just a fleeting moment of joy; it’s an emotional lifeline. “Pet Therapy is absolutely essential to hospice care,” Linda explained. “Patients are able to visit with a dog, and many reminisce about dogs they’ve had in the past. A dog can really help with conversation, especially in Memory Care units. It brings about a connection with patients that might not happen otherwise.”
Linda is passionate about the power of Pet Therapy and its role in enhancing patients’ emotional well-being. “I really enjoy bringing joy to patients,” she said. “I’ve always believed that, as human beings, we should do whatever we can to make someone’s day a little better and brighter.”
However, Linda feels more awareness is needed around the benefits of Pet Therapy. “I think more advertising needs to be done about Pet Therapy,” she said. “I had never heard of it until that visit many years ago with my husband in the nursing facility. People need to be aware that Pet Therapy exists, and getting a dog certified isn’t that hard.”
And while Suzy is a star in the hospice setting, at home she’s a bit of a diva. “Fun fact about Suzy—she is very bossy at home! If she wants something—up on the sofa, a snack, a meal, a walk—she stands in front of me and stares. If I don’t respond immediately, she barks and has a mini-tantrum until I obey.”
Linda and Suzy continue to make a lasting impact at Compassus, helping patients feel cared for and connected. On National Dog Therapy Appreciation Day, we thank Linda and Suzy for their unwavering dedication and service in hospice care.
