Jeremy Tabor shares his dogs to cheer up the sick

Once or twice a month, HFC Computer Tech Associate Jeremy Tabor takes his two greyhounds, Gus and Roger, to area hospitals to cheer up the patients.

“It started in the HFC Support Staff Association, where we did eight hours of community service. I volunteered my time with Pet-A-Pet Club, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides pet therapy to Metro Detroit area hospitals, nursing homes, and convalescent centers,” explained Tabor, of Garden City.

Over the holiday season, Tabor and several other Pet-A-Pet volunteers brought their dogs – all decked out in Christmas sweaters, Santa Claus suits, and reindeer antlers – to Corewell Health Taylor Hospital.

“My wife, Sanja, and I made some friends through Pet-A-Pet. It’s nice to see our pets raise the patients’ spirits the way they do. It really makes them feel better,” said Tabor. “The hospital staff likes seeing the dogs too. They’ll tell us about their pets. The dogs eat all of it up, of course. They get treats and belly-rubs and have a great time. I like brightening people’s day. It’s nice to know we helped cheer them up.”

During his last visit, Tabor ran into HFC Admissions Associate Armida Kiluk, who was visiting a patient.

“What a treat to walk into Corewell Taylor and see a friendly face!” said Kiluk. “Jeremy and his furry friends, Gus and Roger, were at the front entrance dressed in their holiday outfits to bring a bit of good cheer to the patients. It’s always sad to be at the hospital during the holidays, but seeing all those wagging tails brought a smile to my face – and to many of the patients’ faces too!”