Volunteer Sunday Brown Brings Joy to Beaufort Memorial Through Pet Therapy

It takes just seconds for the excitement to percolate.

Dressed in a green bow and frilly green skirt, undoubtedly her St. Patrick’s Day best, a golden Labrador ambles along the Beaufort Memorial hallway, leading the way.

She has yet to be seen by the staff but her presence has already created a stir.

There’s a shout — “I hear Bella!” — and then cheers as she rounds the corner.

“There she is,” coos Sarah Pergande, mammographer at the Beaufort Memorial Breast Health Center, who was the first staff member to rush to give Bella a hug.

“You're such a doll,” Pergande says. “We love you, yes we do.”

Bella, a longtime certified pet therapy dog, has arrived for duty to bring cheer and raise the spirits of patients and staff at the hospital. Standing by her side, leash in hand, is Sunday Brown, the dedicated volunteer who has ensured her dogs are always on time to bring joy to the hospital.

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Loyal and Dependable

For 17 years, Sunday has brought her dogs to Beaufort Memorial each Friday to roam the halls and visit patients who need a pick-me-up or just enjoy the company of furry friends.

“She’s just very dependable. You know she is going to be here without fail,” says Anna Makar, the hospital’s volunteer coordinator. “She sees the joy it brings everyone — the employees and the patients.”

Sunday, a registered dental assistant, and her husband, Jack, a former police chief, moved to the area after they retired. She became interested in exploring therapy dog volunteering after reading an article in a magazine about how lonely residents in nursing homes were. A neighbor who had a therapy dog helped Sunday train her first dog, a yellow Labrador named Cheyenne.

To be certified, dogs have to be at least 1 year old, must complete the 13 steps of the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen test and be proficient in the additional Therapy Dogs International requirements, including being in control at all times. Wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and hospital carts should not bother the pets, and this is part of their testing.

Soon after Cheyenne was certified (she was about 3 years old at the time), Sunday brought her twice a week to Bayview Nursing Home (now Beaufort Rehab) and later brought her to Beaufort Memorial.

Sunday quickly discovered the experience “really changes your life.”

“You realize how good you have it,” she says. “I find it very rewarding.”

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A Growing Pack

Eventually, Cheyenne’s age required her to cut back on visits. That’s when Sunday added two more dogs to the family: Bella and Buck. The dogs were adopted a day apart. Buck, a Labrador mix, was rescued from Atlanta and Bella came from the Beaufort area. Bella became a certified therapy dog shortly after her first birthday, and Buck got certified three years later. The dogs currently take turns visiting the hospital on Fridays.

“Bella brightens the day of many of the patients she meets with,” says Dr. Jonathan Briggs, board-certified radiation oncologist at the Beaufort Memorial Keyserling Cancer Center. “She has such a great manner where she relaxes patients. She certainly does a great job for the staff as well. She makes us all very happy.”

Bella, who is often greeted with treats by some staff members, stops by several units during her visits.

“Bella could probably do the route herself; she knows the way around so well,” says Sunday. “I love volunteering at BMH and feel so appreciated here,” she adds. “The staff is so friendly toward us, and I know we make their day, especially if it's a rough day for them. Many have told me they needed a dog hug and visit that day.”

Changing Lives at Both Ends of the Leash

Sunday enjoys sharing stories of her experiences through the years. Many patients see her dogs and instantly tell her stories about their own dogs and other pets. A woman recently was in tears because she had to put her dog down but wanted to share her story and affection for her dog with Sunday. A man in the intensive care unit during a recent visit happily talked about his four dogs.

“I've seen numerous pictures of people’s dogs,” she says. “I hope I have touched the hearts of many patients listening to their stories about their pets and family. They have changed my life for the better.”

Recently, a card arrived in the mail from a man who had been treated in the Acute Rehabilitation Unit. It was addressed: To Bella, the Service Dog. Along with sending some dog treats, the man expressed his appreciation for Bella.

“It made my day each time you came to see me,” he wrote. “It was a delightful visit with you.”

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Family Connection

Volunteering at the hospital has not only been rewarding for Sunday but has also had a positive impact on her father. Shortly after her mother died, Sunday encouraged her dad to volunteer as a way to keep busy.

He volunteered at the front desk with a few other men and it “was wonderful for him,” she says.