When Parker Widmer and her parents returned to Akron Children’s Hospital’s Paul and Carol David Foundation Burn Institute on Oct. 9, it was a happy reunion with Dr. Benjamin Lou and her nurses and therapists. In appreciation for her care in the center this past summer, the family brought a cash donation, stuffed animals, books and […]
Willie the Pony creates many smiles on his maiden voyage to Akron Children’s Hospital
Many children wish for a pony. When Willie Nelson the pony stops by Akron Children’s, he makes that wish come true and brings joy to patients when they need it the most.
Willie trains to fill Petie’s big horseshoes
Petie the Pony created an amazing therapeutic service legacy during his lifetime, warming the hearts of thousands of patients at Akron Children’s Hospital since he began visiting in 1995. After his death in September at age 26, his handlers at Victory Gallop, a therapeutic riding program in Bath Township, immediately began searching for another pony […]
Petie the Pony Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Visiting Akron Children’s (PHOTO GALLERY)
Petie the Pony returned to Akron Children’s Hospital to celebrate 20 years of delighting our patients, families and staff. He was joined by Kim Gustley and Toril Simon, his handlers from Victory Gallop, for a meet and greet in Perkins Square Park. They had plenty of company as dozens of visitors stopped by his tent, […]
Celebrating Therapy Animal Day With Our Top Furry Friends: Petie the Pony, Weisel’s Quads, Witschey’s Trio, Izzie
It’s almost National Therapy Animal Day (April 30) with Pet Partners, and we can’t wait to celebrate the amazing impact they have on our patients! Many research studies show the benefits and value of therapy animals, but Jerry Miller, 12, and Jack Lehman, 16, can personally speak to the comfort and healing they experienced. They […]
Petie the Pony makes a day in the hospital much brighter for our patients and staff
It is not without some heroic effort on the behalf of the staff at Victory Gallop that Petie the Pony makes his weekly hospital visits. But every ounce of energy expended to prepare the half miniature horse, half pony is paid off in smiles, giggles and parental gratitude.
