Angel Stout’s mom always looked forward to visits from therapy dogs when she was in the hospital, inspiring Angel to get involved in pet therapy with her own dog, Zeke.

“When I first got Zeke, I knew he was special and wanted to share him with everyone,” Angel said. “So our journey began.”

Angel and Zeke joined the Paws and Reflect program at Aultman Alliance Community Hospital (AACH). Established at AACH in 2002, Paws and Reflect provides animal therapy for people who may benefit from interacting with animals to ease feelings of loneliness experienced during hospitalization and to assist with reducing anxiety associated with a hospital stay.

“Being in a hospital can be very stressful,” Angel said. “There is nothing like petting a dog or getting a hug from one to calm your nerves and bring you joy or just have a good cry to release all your emotions.”

Volunteers and pets who want to be a part of Paws and Reflect must take training classes to be certified through Therapy Dogs International.

Angel and Zeke initially began volunteering in patient rooms – before COVID-19. Angel fondly remembers how Zeke interacted with patients. At 130 pounds, Zeke was too large for patients to hold, but he would settle his head in their lap. And he could be unintentionally entertaining.

“Patients loved it when he would moonwalk so he didn’t disturb their medical equipment,” Angel said. “He stared at the ceiling and walked backwards. It was pretty funny to watch.”

When COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, Angel and Zeke returned to AACH, serving in the lobby. Zeke, a pit bull, enjoys being around people. “I have raised Zeke to love everyone and everything, and to this day he surely does that,” Angel said.

Zeke and Angel also volunteer at a nursing/rehab facility in Damascus and at the University of Mount Union. “I just love sharing Zeke,” Angel said. “He brings everyone who meets him such love and joy.”

Angel has been a school bus driver for 36 years. She enjoys horseback riding and hiking. Angel is also the neighborhood animal caretaker, housesitting and making sure that livestock and pets are well cared for when people go on vacation. She hasn’t yet taken a vacation herself, but it’s on her bucket list.

Angel has two adult daughters and two grandchildren. “Zeke loves to cuddle and be read to,” Angel said. “My granddaughter is only 2 years old, but she cuddles with him on the couch and chatters away. With the way he gives her his undivided attention, you would think he understands what she’s saying.”

Angel has reluctantly retired Zeke from volunteer service. He had two cancerous tumors removed just before Thanksgiving, and he needs time to heal. “He will miss it, and I will too,” Angel said. “But he will still take his weekly trips to Lowe’s, his favorite store. He’s a cookie monster, and he knows which workers have the best cookies.”

As she says goodbye to volunteering at AACH for now, Angel thanks Ruth DeFranco, who served as her mentor: “She had faith in me when I was lacking and helped me gain the confidence to let Zeke be the best therapy dog.”

Angel is also grateful for Michele Quinn, director of Volunteer Services at AACH, for her support. “I will miss volunteering in pet therapy for now, but it is my hope to get another puppy that Zeke can train,” Angel said. “Zeke sends everyone hugs and love.”

If you are interested in getting involved in Paws and Reflect at AACH, contact Michele Quinn in Volunteer Services at 330-596-7821.