Dog Brings Cheer to Colorado Hospital Patients

Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital's therapy dog Asher brightens days for those recovering in the hospital.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Dr. Adam Butler, the chief and medical director of surgery at Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette, Colorado, brings his 4-year-old therapy dog Asher to the hospital to help comfort and cheer up patients during their hospital stays. Asher's calm presence, gentle demeanor, and soft coat help put patients at ease and provide a welcome distraction from the monotony of being hospitalized.

Why it matters

Therapy dogs have been shown to have a positive impact on patient well-being and recovery in hospital settings. Asher's visits provide an opportunity for patients to interact with a friendly animal, which can reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness, and boost mood and overall outlook during a difficult time.

The details

Asher is part of the Good Samaritan's Caring Canine Program, which allows him to regularly visit the hospital and interact with patients. Dr. Butler says Asher doesn't perform any special services, but simply brings "happiness and joy" to people who are "stuck in the hospital" and going through a "difficult time."

  • Asher has been visiting the hospital for the past 4 years as part of the Caring Canine Program.

The players

Dr. Adam Butler

The chief and medical director of surgery at Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette, Colorado.

Asher

A 4-year-old therapy dog who visits Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital as part of the hospital's Caring Canine Program.

Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital

A hospital located in Lafayette, Colorado that has a Caring Canine Program that allows therapy dogs like Asher to visit and interact with patients.

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What they’re saying

“He comes in and brings happiness and joy to people. He doesn't do any special services; he helps patients a lot because being stuck in the hospital can obviously be very monotonous and a difficult time in people's lives.”

— Dr. Adam Butler, Chief and Medical Director of Surgery (cbsnews.com)

The takeaway

Therapy dog programs in hospitals can provide meaningful benefits to patients, offering comfort, companionship, and a welcome distraction during difficult recoveries. Asher's visits demonstrate the positive impact a friendly, well-trained therapy animal can have on improving patient well-being and morale.