We want to send out a big CONGRATULATIONS to Tylor Brenner on being selected the 2008 Therapy Animal of the Year at Cooper University Hospital in NJ. This is the first Pet Therapy Award given by Cooper Hospital and Planetree Organization.
The award given to Ellen and Tylor to commemorate their efforts at Cooper Hospital. Photo courtesy of Beloved Shilohs.
Barb McCarty, Head of the Child Life Department, introduced Tylor and Ellen at the award ceremony held in early October. Ellen has volunteered at Cooper for many years and started the Pet Therapy program at Cooper in 1997 with her dog, Julie. Tylor and Ellen visit Cooper Hospital every other week to make their rounds. Ellen says that "Tylor, the gentle giant, loves everyone he meets and basks in the attention he receives from staff, patients and parents. He can work a crowd, making sure that no one has missed an opportunity to love him."
Tylor doing some of his best work, a picture is worth a thousand words. Photo courtesy of Beloved Shilohs.
Ellen shares she was very nervous having to give a speech to such a large crowd of people. But, somehow, talking about her boy made it easier and she was able to provide some anecdotes of Tylor's therapy adventures. Ellen admits she was fidgeting and swinging her arm back and forth; with no cajoling Tylor put his paw up to touch her hand, "You should have heard the collective "ahhhhhhhhh" in the audience," shared Ellen.
Ellen was so honored and excited by the support she and Tylor received at the award ceremony. All the people from the Child Life Department came to support them, as did many people from the hospital who came out when they heard Ty was going to be honored. "Tylor was outstanding and showed off his stuff and why he's amazing at what he does," says Ellen. "It was an outstanding experience, one I will never forget."
Tylor and Ellen visiting with an appreciative patient at Cooper Hospital in NJ. Photo courtesy of Beloved Shilohs.
Ty, Beloved BT Tylor of Shenandoah, calls Beloved Shilohs home and is owned by ISSDC NE members Ellen and Murray Brenner. Tylor was bred by Shenandoah Shilohs and is from the Kota/Trinka litter born on Valentine's Day 2004.
Tylor at 19 months old in September 2005. Photo courtesy of Heather Yates, Candid Paws.
I admit I'm biased; Tylor and Ellen are part of my Shiloh family as my Hamish is Tylor's brother, but we are so proud of Tylor and Ellen regardless. She, and Ty, have given so freely of themselves to bring a bright spot to those in some unfortunate circumstances. We wish them many more honors, but we also know they would do therapy work without any accolades as long as it was helping someone.
Congratulations to a great team!
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