Toms River Public Works Department CLOSED on Labor Day
August 23, 2023Toms River Bank Robbery Suspect Apprehended
August 24, 2023
The newest full-time employee at the Children's Specialized Hospital Long Term Care facility in Toms River is a nearly two year old Golden Retriever, named Bear.
A welcoming party was held at the hospital on Wednesday to welcome him on his first day as a therapy dog.
With the help of his handler, a board-certified behavior analyst, Bear will interact with medically vulnerable kids, their families, and staff members to deliver dog therapy. The facility describes the patients as children whose families' current situation makes it impossible for them to be cared for at home or in another communal environment.
The Children's Specialized Hospital, a member of the RWJBarnabas Health Children's Health network, has added a fourth full-time facilities dog.
Bear was raised at the training facility Patient Paws Service Dogs, Inc. in Alpharetta, Georgia. Hospitals receive facilities dogs from the charity, while service dogs are given to individual clients.
The Maglione family and
Mickey's Kids Charitable Foundation contributed to Bear's financial support. Together with NorthStar VETS in Robbinsville, Mickey's Kids agreed to pay for all Bear's veterinarian care for his entire life.
