Patients and staff at Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation White Oak are getting to know a new four-legged team member as Terrance begins his transition into a full-time facility dog role.
Over the past two weeks, Terrance has been participating in one patient session per day as part of a gradual introduction to his responsibilities. In the coming weeks, he will continue increasing his workload as he prepares to fully replace Peru, who has officially retired from duty.
Terrance, a Golden Retriever-Labrador Retriever mix born on June 11, 2024, works alongside Dr. Tropiano, a rehabilitation psychologist at the White Oak facility. Trained through Canine Companions, Terrance was raised by a volunteer puppy raiser in Baltimore before completing the extensive training required to become a facility dog.
Facility dogs play an important role in rehabilitation settings, helping provide comfort, encouragement, emotional support, and motivation to patients throughout their recovery process.
According to Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation White Oak, Terrance enjoys smiling, swimming, and being told he is a “good boy.” While still in the early stages of his transition, Terrance is already making an impression on patients and staff as he works toward taking on a full-time role at the facility, continuing the legacy left by Peru.
