Therapy Dog Ardi Brings Comfort to Huntsman Cancer Institute Patients

The 5-year-old Great Pyrenees has a special talent for sensing when patients need affection and support.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Ardi, a 5-year-old Great Pyrenees therapy dog, spends his days walking the halls of the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah, providing comfort and affection to patients. Ardi's owner, Cindy, says the dog has an innate ability to identify when someone is in need and will quietly approach them to offer cuddles and companionship.

Why it matters

Therapy animals like Ardi play an important role in helping cancer patients cope with the stress, fear, and anxiety of their treatments. Studies have shown that interactions with therapy dogs can lower blood pressure, reduce feelings of loneliness, and improve overall mood in hospitalized patients.

The details

Ardi is one of hundreds of Intermountain Therapy Animals that visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and airports across the region. Cindy says Ardi's special talent emerged when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing treatments - the dog would lay quietly around her neck, providing comfort, but stopped the behavior once her treatments were complete.

  • Ardi has been visiting the Huntsman Cancer Institute for several years.

The players

Ardi

A 5-year-old Great Pyrenees therapy dog who patrols the halls of the Huntsman Cancer Institute, providing comfort and affection to patients.

Cindy

Ardi's owner, who says the dog has an innate ability to sense when someone needs his companionship.

Intermountain Therapy Animals

A nonprofit organization that trains and deploys therapy animals to visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other facilities across the Intermountain West region.

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What they’re saying

“Ardi is a 5-year-old Great Pyrenees, and we spend a good part of our time in the Cancer Fusion Center but that's not all, we go to nursing homes, schools and airports, airports are very stressful you know.”

— Cindy, Ardi's owner (KUTV)

“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I was going through treatments he would lay quietly around my neck and when I finished up with treatments and they were done, he never laid on my neck again, so he became my first therapy dog.”

— Cindy, Ardi's owner (KUTV)

What’s next

Ardi and Cindy will continue their regular visits to the Huntsman Cancer Institute, providing comfort and support to patients undergoing cancer treatment.

The takeaway

Therapy dogs like Ardi play a vital role in helping cancer patients cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of their illness. By offering unconditional love and companionship, these animals can make a significant difference in the lives of those facing serious health challenges.