Michelle Bass and Norman
Photo Credit: Donna Quinn
When clinical information librarian Michelle Bass, PhD, MSI, AHIP, and her colleague Norman walk into a room, employees’ faces light up and a crowd forms around the duo. Norman is Bass’s dog, and serves as a therapy dog in PAH’s animal-assisted support program, established by Volunteer Services. Since joining PAH in December 2022, he has quickly become a familiar furry face around campus.
“He’s like our mascot for Nursing,” said Emma Cotter, MSN, RN, LSSGB, Magnet Program manager. “We’re very lucky to have him here.”
Norman is a 4-year-old blue heeler, a rescue dog, but some could call him a blue healer due to his comforting presence for others. Bass and Norman have visited staff and patients on several occasions to spread positivity throughout campus, such as welcoming PAH’s night shift at the employee entrance, and rounding on units throughout the hospital. Typically, he will sit or lie on the floor and wait for people to pet him.
The pair recently made an appearance at Hall-Mercer Community Mental Health Center, visiting its staff, along with patients in its Early Childhood Program.
Bass recalled how one of the children in the program, who had been nonverbal, approached Norman and asked if he was a cow, due to his black and white spots. “Everyone in the room was so excited to hear [the child] speak. It was really nice that seeing Norman prompted this,” said Bass.
Case Manager Beverly Bradley (left) and Barbara Dorsey (right) with Norman at Hall-Mercer
“My morning was busy and a little hectic, but Norman brightened my day,” said Barbara Dorsey, front desk receptionist of Hall-Mercer.
“Part of the fun was watching and listening to our colleagues tell stories about their own pets,” said Donna Campo, MS, a coordinator for Hall-Mercer. “Some were getting on the floor to give Norman a hug and take pictures with him.”
Bass is proud that Norman is able to be a source of happiness among her colleagues. She shared how valuable the animal-assisted support program is for the PAH community, as working in health care, and staying in the hospital as a patient, can often be stressful.
“Dogs are there to smile at you and give you their time and love, and I think that’s what people need,” said Bass. “It’s meaningful to me that people identify him as a high point in their day.”