Tucker Summerville
“As soon as I heard RMH was coming to Charlotte, I felt like I had to get involved and start a Pet Therapy Program. I knew Mona (former RMH CEO) through my daughter and began talking with her and the Volunteer Director about a pet therapy program before the first shovel began digging the foundation for the House!
I’ve been on both sides at RMH. My family benefited from the services RMH provides to families. My granddaughter was in the hospital and her family stayed at a House for 6 months.
Having done pet therapy for 25 years and knowing what a comfort pets can bring to anyone under stress, I knew how important it was to offer that connection to the guest families staying at RMH of Charlotte. I know that the pet therapy program can help families stay strong and keep fighting even when they are tempted to throw in the towel and give up. After volunteering, I always get a warm, fuzzy feeling knowing that myself and my dog supported families through some very difficult times.
I’ve participated in many pet therapy programs at nursing homes, libraries, schools and hospitals, and what makes RMH stand out from the rest is that I always feel welcome. That welcoming environment never waivers whether I’m stopping by to pick something up, dropping something off or for pet therapy. That welcoming environment doesn’t happen at all places that have pet therapy programs.
I am here for the long haul. I love it!”
(Tucker has contributed more volunteer hours than any other pet therapy volunteer!)
Tucker currently has five pets, all Shelties. Windi, Crickett, Hadley, Marti, and Brooke. They are all different in personalities.
I’ve been on both sides at RMH. My family benefited from the services RMH provides to families. My granddaughter was in the hospital and her family stayed at a House for 6 months.
Having done pet therapy for 25 years and knowing what a comfort pets can bring to anyone under stress, I knew how important it was to offer that connection to the guest families staying at RMH of Charlotte. I know that the pet therapy program can help families stay strong and keep fighting even when they are tempted to throw in the towel and give up. After volunteering, I always get a warm, fuzzy feeling knowing that myself and my dog supported families through some very difficult times.
I’ve participated in many pet therapy programs at nursing homes, libraries, schools and hospitals, and what makes RMH stand out from the rest is that I always feel welcome. That welcoming environment never waivers whether I’m stopping by to pick something up, dropping something off or for pet therapy. That welcoming environment doesn’t happen at all places that have pet therapy programs.
I am here for the long haul. I love it!”
(Tucker has contributed more volunteer hours than any other pet therapy volunteer!)
Tucker currently has five pets, all Shelties. Windi, Crickett, Hadley, Marti, and Brooke. They are all different in personalities.
- Windi can do it all. She can go anywhere and knows when to snuggle and when to show off. She’s met people from all walks of life and adapts to their needs. She is also unique in her appearance being much smaller than most Shelties.
- Crickett loves going to the library. She is sweet, gentle soul and can read humans.
- Marty’s personality is much like Windi’s. An all-around stellar therapy dog.
- Hadley is in touch with her wild and crazy side but is also a sweetheart.
- Brooke is the latest addition to Tucker’s family. She is only 11 weeks old and is still developing her personality. However, she already walks well on a leash.