A “Tail” of Two Programs

Animals can play a powerful role in healing, offering comfort, reassurance and even protection in moments when people feel most vulnerable. At AtlantiCare, that belief is reflected in the programs and leaders who intentionally integrate animals into our care environments to support patients, families and team members in meaningful ways. Animal centered efforts take different forms, each designed to support the care environment in a specific way. Though they serve different needs, each is grounded in the same purpose of creating spaces where healing can happen more easily.

The Healing Paws Therapy Animal Program is focused on comfort and connection. Certified therapy animals visit care settings to offer calm, reassurance and moments of connection for patients, families and team members. Time spent with a therapy dog can ease patient anxiety, reduce stress and bring a sense of normalcy to situations that often feel overwhelming.

In addition to Healing Paws, specially trained scent detection dogs work behind the scenes to help maintain safe care environments. While their role is different in nature than therapy dogs, it serves the same goal of maintaining spaces where patients can concentrate on healing without disruption. The work is carried out quietly and deliberately, reinforcing safety throughout care settings.

These efforts are guided by two AtlantiCare leaders whose work approaches care from different angles yet meet in the same place. Bridget Dooley, Senior Director of Patient Experience and Daren Dooley, AVP Department of Public Safety, bring a shared set of values to their roles, values that shaped long before they joined AtlantiCare. Married prior to coming to the organization, they now apply their partnership and shared commitment to serve the care experience.

Bridget Dooley focuses on the emotional experience of care, paying close attention to how small moments of comfort can ease anxiety and help people feel supported. Daren Dooley focuses on safety and prevention, often working largely out of sight to shape environments where care to take place without added stress. Their work reflects a shared belief that animals can uniquely contribute to the care environment, whether that takes the form of lifting spirits or reinforcing safety.

Together, these programs reflect a care environment shaped by purpose and empathy. Healing is influenced not only by treatment, but by how people feel and how supported they are throughout their experience. Whether that support comes through a quiet moment of comfort or through the reassurance of a safe environment, it is part of creating spaces where people can focus on healing.