Growing the Pet Pals Program at University Hospitals

Marion Risman had a special empathy for people in need and a way of making those around her feel better. When her son Rob learned about the Pet Pals program at UH, he knew a gift to help grow the vital program would honor his late mother’s love for animals as well as her caring nature.

Members of the Risman family, including Rob, his wife, Tricia, and Rob’s brother, R. Wayne, made an incredible gift of $1.1 million to create the Marion C. Risman and Family Endowed Pet Pals Coordinator.

The creation of a dedicated Pet Pals position is a dream come true for Barbara Nalette, Dee Kleinman Endowed Director of UH Volunteer Services, who currently oversees the program.

“With this new coordinator we can screen more Pet Pals volunteers, go out to the community hospitals, mentor our pet handlers and just grow the program,” explained Barbara. “Pet therapy really improves the hospital experience for patients as well as families, guests and staff. Countless people will be positively affected by the Risman’s gift.”

“There’s been so much research on how animal-assisted therapy can help reduce pain, anxiety and depression in patients,” shared Tricia. “We want this program to grow and prosper into the future.”