Love is in the air at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital thanks to a huggable golden retreiver.
On February 13, 2026, Nellie, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital’s facility dog, helped deliver valentines and plenty of smiles to patients at the inpatient hospital ahead of Valentine’s Day. She visited patient rooms and connected with patients during therapy sessions, sharing a special valentine along with some calming companionship. Nellie also stopped to see Good Shepherd team members, offering messages of love and support across the hospital.
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Nellie, a golden retriever, joined the Good Shepherd team in November 2024 and works alongside her handler and owner, Rehabilitation Psychologist Tracy Ransom, PsyD, BCB, MSCP, at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital in Center Valley. Ransom completed an intensive, two week training course through Canine Companions and was thoughtfully matched with Nellie. Trained by Canine Companions, Nellie brings both skill and warmth to her work each day.
As a facility dog, Nellie plays an important role in helping patients stay motivated throughout recovery from stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, and other complex medical needs. She provides physical and emotional support and helps reduce anxiety. Nellie knows 40 commands and is trained to work around rehabilitation devices such as wheelchairs and walkers.
“Nellie’s wonderful with patients and knows intuitively what they need, whether it be helping a patient recovering from a spinal cord injury during their physical therapy session, to snuggling alongside a patient in their bed, to providing anxiety reducing pressure by laying across a patient’s lap,” Dr. Ransom said.
Happy Valentine’s Day from Nellie.
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