Cooper Goes to Work

I have often wondered how the popular expression, "It's gone to the dogs," came to be. It doesn't reflect well on the canine population, and from my point of view, dogs provide a lot of value to our world. 

There's little doubt that Southwest Florida is a haven for those who love sunshine and outdoor activities. But all you have to do is take an evening walk through any of our neighborhoods, and our furry friends are likely out in full force. 

How can "man's best friend" be viewed as anything less than a beloved family member? A Forbes Advisor survey of more than 5,000 U.S. dog owners found that dog owners spend an average of $730 a year on their dogs, with 8% spending more than $2,000. Just a hunch, but I have a feeling that a large percentage of that 8% live right here in our community.

Southwest Florida is very "dog friendly."

We've always had family dogs, and my family wouldn't be the same without Jerome, our Golden Retriever/Australian Shepherd mix, and Masten, our English Bulldog. But today, I tip my hat to another special dog—one not part of the Lowe family.

At Physicians Regional, you can feel the excitement mount every time we expect a visit from Cooper, our extraordinary four-legged friend and frequent guest. 

Cooper came to us through Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs, a non-profit organization providing education and community outreach to support the mission through therapy and ambassador dog programs. Their extraordinary Goldens and Labrador Retrievers are the common denominators in all of their work.

A former Physicians Regional volunteer who worked with the employees during and after COVID saw a potential need for his therapy and recommended the organization.

The rest is history.

Cooper, a five-year-old Golden Retriever, works alongside his constant companion, Mr. Hugh Muller. No stranger to a life of service, Muller is an ordained deacon in the Catholic Church and a Vietnam War Air Force veteran.

When Muller's previous dog passed away, his daughter suggested Golden Paws as a possible source for a new companion. Muller, a disabled veteran, was accepted, and the adoption process began. "I was 'interviewed' by three dogs," Muller recalled. "And eventually Cooper selected me." 

Muller quickly noticed that Cooper's affectionate demeanor may qualify him for a new role as a therapy dog - one whose positive impact could be enjoyed outside the Muller home. Muller and Cooper attended a special Golden Paws Class, leading to Cooper's new accreditation. 

For four years, Muller (79) has accompanied Cooper (five) to the pup's day job. Cooper is now a fixture at Imira Choice Assisted Living and Physicians Regional.

"Just seeing his impact - the smiles and laughter - makes me feel great," noted Muller. "Plus, it makes me get out of the house and socialize more. Cooper has a lot of friends I enjoy spending time with, too."

Though Cooper has shined his light on our patients, we needed to make him available to our staff, who often must develop significant coping mechanisms to remain engaged in the challenging, often heartbreaking healthcare industry.

In their recent book, The Purest Bond: Understanding the Human–Canine Connection, Jen Golbeck, Ph.D. and Stacey Colino, M.S. suggest: "The presence of furry friends adds a note of levity and cheerfulness to a workplace [and] dogs can affect the way coworkers interact, as well, by fostering pro-social behavior."

In a separate discussion, Colino added, "A dog's presence provides a sense of safety and comfort in healthcare settings, as well as a pleasant distraction from potentially anxiety-producing treatments or situations. Not only does this positively affect patients, but it also makes the workplace less stressful for healthcare providers."

Cooper started visiting our campuses in December of 2022. He makes weekly visits to the campuses, alternating his time between the three campuses: Collier Boulevard (8300 Collier Blvd.), Pine Ridge (6101 Pine Ridge Rd.), and Physicians Regional-North (1285 Creekside Blvd.).

"Cooper is awesome," exclaimed Megan Alzamora, Patient Access Financial Counselor at Physicians Regional Healthcare System. "I look forward to our weekly interactions because it truly is therapy! Everyone here knows the challenge of finding ways to relieve stress and pressure throughout the day, and providing an emotional therapy dog for all employees and patients is just the ticket we all need to get through the rest of the day, let alone the work week. Cooper truly senses what people need in an amazing way, and it helps me and my coworkers tremendously!"

When asked for a message to send to Cooper, Alzamore thoughtfully added, "Cooper, your presence in the hospital impacts everyone who crosses your path. You are so talented with the energy you give off. I love you!'"

To schedule an appointment with one of our outstanding physicians, please call 239-348-4221 or visit PhysiciansRegionalMedicalGroup.com to schedule online.

To learn more about Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs, please visit GoldenPaws.org.