URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Urbana’s Carle Foundation Hospital is welcoming a new member to its team of volunteer therapy dogs — Cooper!

The 14-month-old cockapoo has completed weeks’ worth of mandatory training programs and is now suited up and comforting people all across the hospital with big sister “Sophie” and owner Jean Huddleston.

Huddleston has been regularly volunteering once a week for the past three years. Now that Cooper is trained and old enough, he can join in on the fun, too.

“I wanted something to do after I retired,” the volunteer explained.

Huddleston said there have been several unforgettable moments over the years, like when Sophie helped a woman experiencing Alzheimer’s.

“The mom started screaming and was very vivid about stuff. She got hold of Sophie and started petting her, just talking with her. She was very alert and knew what was going on,” the passionate volunteer described.

Huddleston said the woman hadn’t eaten for four days, but when the care team asked if she wanted to have lunch, the woman got excited and wanted food.

“For that moment in time, the woman was with us. The daughter could have a conversation with her,” she added.

Later on, Huddleston said another patient approached her to say, “Your dog saved my life.”

She met and bought Sophie a few years ago, intending to train her as a therapy dog in particular.

Huddleston is one of the few volunteers bringing her dogs in on a regular basis. If you’re interested in training your pup or getting involved in a similar way, reach out to Carle’s Volunteer Services department. You can call 217-383-6701 or email volunteer.services@carle.com.