#GoodDeeds: Delivering Happiness Through Virtual Dog Therapy Visits

As a state agency manager for North American Title Insurance Co., Glen Stout focuses on providing agents the latest tools, techniques and services that can assist them in growing their business. You could say providing support is one of his passion’s. Stout has been able to utilize his gift by giving back to his community and bringing smiles to children.

Stout and his wife started working with the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) of Cleveland more than five years ago. The couple adopted their dog, Stanley Guido. They had him trained and certified as a therapy dog. Since then, they have rescued two more dogs (Nosy Rosey and Giuseppe Luca), which are also trained and certified. Stanley is a Yorkie Poo, Nosy is a Poodle Nichon mix and Giuseppe is a Schnoodle.

“We have met children and their families from all over the globe when they visit the world-class healthcare we have in Cleveland,” Stout said.

A conversation last fall with the executive director of RMH in Akron led to Stout launching a therapy dog program at that facility.

“We began our visits at RMH Akron with the three dogs and immediately became friends with a little boy named Peter who was going through treatment at Akron Children’s Hospital,” said Stout, who in February did a Polar Bear Plunge with Peter’s father to benefit RMH Akron. The team was called “I Need Therapy … Dogs!” 

Two weeks ago, Peter was due back in the hospital for treatment, however the house was not accepting any new families during the COVID-19 crisis. This meant Peter and his mom would be at the hospital for the week. Stout suggested they schedule a virtual therapy dog visit with all three pups on April 1. 

The first virtual therapy visit was a success after a 45-minute Facebook video chat.

“We had a wonderful time catching up and visiting with the pups,” Stout said. “The most incredible part of the visit was watching the dogs interact with Peter and his mon. I think they knew they were working, and they huddled around me and the phone during the entire visit.”

Stout already has another visit scheduled with Peter and his family, as well as other friends from RMH.

Share Your #GoodDeeds

Community is not based on our ability to physically see and touch each other, but rather the connection and care we show for each other—especially in times of need. ALTA would like to hear how you are continuing to serve your customers and communities during this uncertain and unprecedented time. We know how involved you are in your local market even when there’s not a pandemic, so we know you are actively involved in helping those that might need it most. We would like to highlight all the great volunteerism that is happening across our industry and the creative ways you’ve modified processes to get deals closed. 

Here are three ways you can share your story with us:

1. Email your story at communications@alta.org.
2. Post your story in the comments section on our blog.
3. Share your story on Facebook or Instagram, use #GoodDeeds and tag ALTA.