The Golden Touch
A dog-loving alumnus helps revive Sylvester’s pet therapy program
By Stacey Bomser
Photography by Sonya Revell
Barry Shevlin with his dog, Brady.
B
arry Shevlin, LL.M. ’87, JD ’85, BA ’82, knows firsthand the healing power pets provide. His beloved golden retriever, Bimini, comforted Shevlin’s parents when they were sick. Now, the University of Miami alumnus is helping bring that same level of comfort and emotional support to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center patients through a gift to reestablish a pet therapy program that was shut down during the pandemic. It is one of Sylvester’s many cancer support services for patients undergoing treatment.
As a longtime supporter of Sylvester, Shevlin was invited to tour the cancer center and noticed patients undergoing lengthy chemotherapy infusions, often without a loved one or friend as companionship. It was a vision that stuck in his mind for a long time before he came up with the idea of bringing therapy dogs to interact with patients during this stressful time.
“There is nothing better than a dog’s unconditional love,” said Shevlin, a self-proclaimed dog lover. “Pet therapy offers a unique and heartwarming approach to healing. These specially trained animals provide patients and the hardworking caregivers and staff at Sylvester with moments of joy, comfort and emotional support during challenging times.”
Three dogs (and their handlers) are currently trained and credentialed to provide canine-assisted therapy and companionship to Sylvester patients and their caregivers. These volunteers visit patients on Sylvester’s main campus and satellite locations.
“There is evidence to support that pet therapy dogs can decrease anxiety, improve mental health and increase relaxation,” said Jessica MacIntyre, D.N.P., M.B.A., APRN, assistant vice president for the Oncology Service Line at Sylvester. “Pet therapy is an integral part of the healing process, and that’s why we include it as part of our cancer support services, along with yoga, massage and other adjunct services that allow patients to disconnect from what’s happening.”
For more information on support services and the pet therapy program, contact Britten King at britten.king@med.miami.edu.
The photos below feature one of the pet therapy teams, Golden Retriever Joy, and her owner, Yanesa Perez. 
