Katiebelle is a 9-year-old, 4½-pound teacup Yorkie, the cutest little thing you’ll ever see. I thought she’d do well in Cleveland Clinic’s pet therapy program after showing a lot of promise with ill family members. First, I had to pass a test, which took me two tries. Then I had to take Katie to the University of Florida to be tested; she passed the first time. 

Whenever it’s time to go, I ask, “Katie, do you want to go see the people?” She jumps right in the car. When we get to the hospital or cancer center, I put on her little pink leash and little name tag that says, “Katiebelle, Therapy Dog.” We visit with patients, families and staff for about an hour. 

It’s especially gratifying for me to visit the cancer center because I’m 16 years clean from lung cancer, so I can talk about a positive end of the road. Recently, I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, so I’m going through chemo again. Katie is always following me when I leave a room and peeking around the corner to make sure I’m where I’m supposed to be. 

Once, a woman asked if I could put Katie up on her husband’s bed because he had been non-responsive for days. Katie snuggled against the man’s chest. He didn’t open his eyes, but the biggest smile appeared on his face. I figure Katie gave him a little joy. 

 

Ray Mancari and Katiebelle volunteer at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital and Scully-Welsh Cancer Center in Vero Beach, Florida. 

Ray Mancari holding a dog

Photo: Courtesy of Ray Mancari