After years of helping patients through some of the most challenging moments of their recovery journeys, Peru, the beloved facility dog at Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation White Oak, is retiring.
Since joining the rehabilitation team in 2020, Peru has worked alongside therapists and patients, assisting with physical and occupational therapy sessions while providing motivation, comfort, and encouragement. Adventist HealthCare says Peru has supported therapy participation and engagement for more than 2,500 patients during her time at the White Oak facility.
“Working alongside Peru has been an absolute joy, and I will miss her terribly,” said Gabriella Sprecher, Executive Assistant at Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation. “But after six years of devoted service, countless patients comforted, and an impressive resume of professional achievements, she has more than earned her retirement.”
Peru, a half-Labrador and half-golden retriever trained through the Canine Companions program, is not a therapy dog in the traditional sense. As a certified facility dog, she received extensive training to assist patients with specific tasks and therapeutic exercises. Over the years, Peru became an integral part of the rehabilitation team, helping patients improve mobility, balance, dexterity, and confidence as they worked toward recovery goals following strokes, injuries, and other life-changing medical events.
Known for her ability to perform more than 50 commands, Peru assisted patients with activities ranging from retrieving dropped items and opening drawers to participating in rehabilitation exercises designed to improve strength and coordination.
Her impact extended beyond patient care. In 2023, Peru received a Governor’s Citation recognizing her contributions, and she played a central role in groundbreaking research examining the effects of facility dogs on patient performance during inpatient rehabilitation. The study found that patients often spent more time engaged in therapeutic tasks when working alongside Peru and reported feeling more comfortable participating despite anxiety or discomfort.
The success of Peru’s work helped inspire Adventist HealthCare to expand its facility dog program. In 2025, a second facility dog, Marcy, joined the team at Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation Rockville as the health system broadened the initiative.
Although Peru is retiring from active duty, Adventist HealthCare says she remains in good health and is looking forward to a well-earned retirement filled with plenty of relaxation. Following her retirement, she will be adopted by her longtime handler, Dr. Heather Tropiano, ensuring the celebrated canine remains with the person who worked beside her throughout her rehabilitation career.
A successor facility dog has already joined the White Oak team and will continue supporting patients as Peru’s legacy carries on through the program she helped build.
