Everyone Knows His Name

He wears his volunteer badge with pride and walks the halls of University Medical Center as well as Texas Tech Physicians. But when this volunteer makes his rounds, people take notice and everyone knows his name.

Denver is an 18-month-old Goldendoodle, a dog breed that is half golden retriever and half poodle, and a volunteer therapy dog. He is loveable, sweet and actually looks like he is smiling. Owner Matt Driskill, administrator at Texas Tech Physicians Ophthalmology, says Denver loves people.

“And people love Denver,” Driskill said. “He is a big teddy bear who loves to be petted and loved on. From early on when we brought Denver home, we knew he was special.”

Team Denver is comprised of Denver, Driskill and his wife Genene, who take Denver to visit patients one to two hours a week. Patient visits can include pediatric visits or visits to patients with diabetes or heart issues.

Denver has undergone training and received Canine Good Citizen status. Driskill says Denver is a registered therapy dog. Team Denver also does visits to the Ronald McDonald House, nursing homes and other hospitals as well.

When commanded, Denver will strike a pose, shake hands and give someone a “high five.” But most of all, his love is to meet patients and make them feel better.

“When we arrive in the building he is like Norm from 'Cheers', everyone knows his name from the front desk volunteers to the nurses and patients,” Driskill said. “The purpose of therapy dogs is to provide comfort and affection to patients. Denver does that and hopefully makes the patient’s day a little better.”

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