A key member of the Rehabilitation Center team is facility dog, Zeta V Miller. Zeta has been working full time at Miller Children’s & Women’s since 2018.
Together, Zeta and her handlers join patients during their physical, speech or occupational therapies to encourage a more positive and unique therapy session. During therapies, Zeta partakes in games and activities with patients. She enjoys going on walks, playing hide and seek, soccer, bowling, dress up and more. She also provides comfort and snuggles to patients who are not feeling their best.
Zeta was provided to the hospital by Canine Companions for Independence® after undergoing an extensive and specialized two-year training program. She has been highly trained to work alongside young rehabilitation patients with physical or speech-related limitations to help them regain their strength and confidence.
Miller Children’s & Women’s was one of the first children’s hospitals in Southern California to have a facility dog.
Fun Facts About Zeta
- Breed: Black lab/golden retriever mix
- Birthday: May 28, 2016
- Favorite vacation spot: Cayucos, CA
- Favorite games: Retrieving Stomp Rockets and playing tug of war
- Favorite toy: Stuffed dinosaur
Zeta’s Stats
Since 2018, Zeta has provided:
- More than 1,200 animal assisted therapy sessions for patients receiving occupational, physical and speech therapies.
- Formal support to more than 250 unique patients.
- Countless interactions with patients, visitors and staff to provide support and boost morale.