Therapy dogs are often the ones providing comfort to others in times of need, but for one loyal black Labrador named Riggs, the loss of his beloved owner left him in need of healing himself. Riggs, once a cheerful presence in hospital rooms alongside his owner, Chuck Patrick, faced grief after Chuck passed away on December 29, 2024. Known for his gentle, loving nature, Riggs had an undeniable gift for connecting with people, but after losing Chuck, he became withdrawn and noticeably sad, showing signs of loss similar to human grief.
“He’s sweet, gentle, and loving. And he loves people,” shared Gloria Patrick, Chuck’s wife. “When dad was gone, he fell apart, as I did; we both missed him badly.”
Healing Together
Riggs’s emotional response to Chuck’s death was clear—he had lost his partner in therapy, and with it, his purpose. He was no longer the joyful dog he had once been. However, with encouragement from volunteers at Roper St. Francis Healthcare, Gloria decided to bring Riggs back to the therapy dog program. This decision marked the beginning of their healing journey together.
Meg Mauri, a volunteer and pet therapy advocate, noted, “That’s what the therapy dog needed. His therapy was to give therapy.” As Riggs returned to his rounds, interacting with patients and bringing smiles, his spirit slowly lifted. His tail began to wag once again, and he found comfort in helping others, just as he had done so many times with Chuck.
A New Purpose for Both
As Riggs began to heal, so did Gloria. She found a renewed sense of purpose, working with Riggs as a team. “I think it’s given me a sense of purpose, too,” she said. “I’m not as social, going out as much as I was before. I’m working with him, and so I think the two of us have become a team.”
Together, Gloria and Riggs are proving that the bond between humans and animals is unbreakable, and even in the face of loss, there’s healing through shared experiences and acts of kindness.
Joining the Pet Therapy Program
For those interested in making a difference through pet therapy, the Roper St. Francis Healthcare Pet Therapy Program offers a chance to bring joy and comfort to patients. Here’s how you can get involved:
Handlers must become Roper St. Francis Healthcare volunteers.
Pet therapy dogs must have a friendly demeanor, be certified or licensed, and have up-to-date vet records and immunizations.
For more details, you can contact the volunteer manager at any of the four Roper St. Francis hospitals.
