Stray Dog Finds Meaning as Support Animal at AdventHealth Facility

If you ever walk the halls at AdventHealth Altamonte Springs in Florida, United States, on a Wednesday morning, you will likely see Buddy, a Labrador retriever mix who brings smiles to everyone he meets.

Buddy is 6 years old and is part of AdventHealth’s pet therapy program. His owner, Rafael Fano, has developed a special connection to the hospital, as well as with Buddy himself.

Fano first met Buddy in 2022 when a neighbor found him wandering alone on the street. He was wearing no collar, and there was no sign of an owner. After a few days of searching, Fano, being determined to help, took the dog—whom he named Buddy—to Seminole County Animal Services in hopes of reuniting him with his family. But no one came forward to claim him “They called me back and asked me if I wanted to adopt Buddy. And immediately I said, ‘Yes, I want to adopt Buddy.’ I immediately went and picked him up. That was more than three years ago. I think Buddy found me,” Fano recalled.

Since then the two have been inseparable. Buddy loves to be petted, enjoys chasing squirrels, and lights up whenever he gets the chance to visit the hospital or local nursing homes.

Fano wanted to give back to the community so he explored opportunities with AdventHealth. “I found that AdventHealth was looking for volunteers for their pet therapy program. I called and went through the process to get Buddy certified and trained before coming to the hospital,” he said.

For the past few months, Fano and Buddy have been volunteering at AdventHealth Altamonte Springs every Wednesday, spending time with patients and team members across the campus.

“They love Buddy,” Fano said. “We feel that we have done something good for the community—for the patients that are here and for the nurses that are stressed with the job. The nurses say, ‘I’m so glad you are here,’ and ‘You made my day.’ ”

To become part of AdventHealth’s pet therapy program, dog owners must register, train, and become a member of an AdventHealth-approved pet therapy organization—such as Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Pet Partners, or Intermountain Therapy Alliance. They must also complete the volunteer orientation and submit health records.

Interacting with animals is proven to help in the healing process. Pet therapy is known to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while also promoting healing and brightening spirits.

Volunteers often find the experience just as rewarding. “Pet therapy doesn’t just benefit the patients,” Fano said. “Owners and pets get something from the program too.”

Looking back at where it all started, Fano encourages others to consider adoption. “There are a lot of dogs at the shelter waiting for someone to come and adopt them. And the dogs are so good and will be very happy to have a home.”

“This is a wonderful story because Buddy is a run-of-the-mill average dog who was left behind, and Rafael was able to give him a loving home and help Buddy become a service dog to help our community,” said Chris Stronko, manager at the Seminole County Animal Services.

The original version of this story was posted on the AdventHealth news site.