A Special Valentine: Meet Valentina, The Newest “Dogs for Joy” Therapy Dog

A Special Valentine: Meet Valentina, The Newest “Dogs for Joy” Therapy Dog

Happy Valentine’s Day! Just in time for the holiday, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation has delivered a special valentine to Worcester, MA. On Friday, February 12, UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center welcomed their newest four-legged staff member, a two-year-old Golden Retriever and Labrador mix named Valentina, thanks to the Foundation’s Dogs for Joy program.

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Through the Dogs for Joy program, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation has granted more than 15 full-time pediatric service dogs to over a dozen children’s hospitals across the country. These highly specialized dogs are full-time in-residence service providers, who help ease anxiety and reduce stress for young patients and their families. The Foundation’s goal is to dramatically increase the number of in-residence dog working in children’s hospitals around the country and the prevalence of animal-assisted therapy as part of treatment.

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Valentina joins the team through a $171,000 donation from the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation to UMass Memorial Medical Center extending over three years, covering costs related to Valentina’s adoption, care, and day-to-day work at the hospital.

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To celebrate the spirit of the holiday and welcome Valentina, Dunkin’ was onsite this past Friday to keep UMass Memorial Medical Center staff and caregivers running with free coffee and MUNCHKINS® Donut Hole Treats. The Children’s Medical Center patients were also given a sweet surprise, with Valentine’s Day inspired donut decorating activities in the afternoon.

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In addition to the Foundation’s contribution, on February 12, local Dunkin’ business owners donated $1 from every Extra Charged Coffee sold to The Joy in Childhood Foundation to support Valentina at UMass Memorial Medical Center.*

To learn more about the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation’s Dogs for Joy program please visit www.bringjoy.org and follow on Facebook or Instagram.

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*Donations made by Dunkin’ Franchise owners. Valid at participating Worcester locations only. ©2021 DD IP Holder LLC

 

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