The Temple Tails program, which brings service dogs to help staff relax and hosts adoption events with local animal rescues, was recently held for the first time at Temple University Hospital–Episcopal Campus. The initiative has been popular among staff at other Temple Health locations, and efforts are underway to expand it further.
Heather Matthew, RN, who coordinates Temple Tails with the Main Campus Office of Patient Experience, has collaborated with colleagues across Temple Health hospitals to introduce rescue dog events beyond the main campus. This recent event at Episcopal Campus was organized by Performance Excellence Project Manager Michele Agozzino in partnership with Matthew.
“We’ve always wanted to host Temple Tails, because it’s just so amazing,” said Agozzino. “Heather has all the connections with local rescues, and she was able to bring Morris Animal Refuge here. We’re hoping to work with even more rescues for our next event!”
Staff members participated in activities that included spending time with several dogs brought in for the event. Matthew also introduced three puppies born to a dog she and her partner had rescued from an abandoned building; although these puppies already had homes, they were a highlight for many attendees.
“Everyone was just in love,” Agozzino said. “It was so nice to spend time with all the dogs, whether we could adopt them or not. We all wanted to hold and play with them. It made everyone’s day.”
One notable outcome of the event was when an Episcopal team member applied to adopt one of the available dogs after forming a connection during the gathering.
“She really bonded with that dog,” Matthew said. “We’ve had a ton of adoptions through Temple Tails over the years. Any dog that can find a home, any day, is a success.”
In addition to promoting adoptions, these events provide support for local animal rescues through donations from Temple Health.
“Temple Health always donates to each participating rescue,” Agozzino said. “Spending time with the dogs is so special for us, and we want to do something meaningful for them.”
