Meet Therapy Dog Program volunteers Michael Marshall and Casey
Michael Marshall had his heart set on volunteering for Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula ever since his two children were born in the Family Birth Center.
As a member of the Montage Health Foundation Therapy Dog Program since 2014, Marshall and Casey, his adopted Pit bull-mix, volunteer in various areas of the hospital, helping to provide comfort and confidence to patients. Yet their favorite stops are in the rehab and mental health units, where Marshall feels they both give and get the most benefit during their visits.
“Casey’s favorite part about volunteering is getting lots of love and pets from humans. My favorite part,” says Marshall, “is hearing from patients and staff that Casey and I have improved their day. It brings me joy to support both patients and staff.”
Since 1998, Michael Marshall has been a member of this community, where his children were born and raised. Over the years, he and his family have become acquainted with many people who work for Community Hospital and Montage Health, which he considers cornerstones of the community.
Casey and I support both patients and staff at Community Hospital, and every year, we serve at Community Hospital’s Cancer Survivors Day. We also volunteered at the Montage Health COVID-19 vaccine clinics, helping children and adults who were afraid of needles. This was an especially meaningful time to volunteer and help our community.
—Michael Marshall, Therapy Dog Program volunteer, Community Hospital
Michael Marshall recommends volunteers pair the confidence they can do it with a willingness to invest tremendous amounts of time, energy and love. And it helps to bring a dog.
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Meet some of our other Montage Health Foundation volunteers
