Every week, Pam Saunders and her dog Rusty knock on doors at the hospital and the veteran’s center to offer a bit of sunshine.

“We announce, 'It’s Pam and Rusty, would you like a visit?' and we walk in. Rusty walks up to their bed or chair for pets,” Saunders said.  

Rusty, 3/4 golden retriever and 1/4 Irish setter, has a happy but gentle temperament – perfect for being a certified Intermountain Therapy Animal. 

Saunders said that both nurses, residents and patients are known to tuck cheerios into their pockets for Rusty in anticipation of his weekly visit. 

“They love to pet him because it reminds them of home,” Saunders said. “He just wants to be your friend.” 

Even at the dog park, Rusty will look around and find all the people. Only once he’s finished saying hello to people, will he go to the dogs and ask to play.  

Rusty was a 90th birthday present for Saunder’s mother, Barbara Saunders, who had always wanted a golden retriever.  

“I looked in the paper, the Pilot, and all of sudden there was one,” Pam recalled. “I called thinking, I’ll come pick them up. Turns out, he was in Nebraska.”  

Pam said she struck up a deal with the breeder to temporarily home the whole litter of nine puppies from Nebraska. In exchange, Barbara could have her first pick.  

Pam and her daughter and granddaughter each collected three puppies in their arms and surprised Barbara at the dog park. Rusty stood out, and Barbara had her wish for a few sweet years. Barbara lived to age 95, dying in 2024 after a year and a half battle with cancer. 

Barbara enjoyed being involved and one of her favorite acts of volunteerism was being the “cookie lady” for Logan Health Whitefish. She wished for Rusty to be a therapy dog there, in addition to the veteran’s home in honor of her spouse.  

“So, that’s where we go,” Pam said.  

Rusty is certified by Intermountain Therapy Animals, a 501c3 based in Salt Lake City with branches across Utah and Montana. The organization can certify dogs, cats, birds, goats and rabbits, although in the Flathead area only dogs have joined.  

There are all sorts of breeds, mixed and pure, big and small, from labradoodles to Saint Bernards to Yorkies in the program, said Lynne Hiatt, Flathead Valley coordinator for Intermountain Therapy Animals.  

“We have rescues, we have fancy dogs. Furry, not furry. Search and rescue dogs, allergen-free dogs,” Hiatt said. “It’s not a breed thing, it’s temperament.” 

Northwest Montana has about 25-30 active teams that visit hospitals including Logan Health Whitefish, Kalispell and Behavioral Health locations, as well as schools including Flathead Valley Community College. The teams frequent senior homes and participate in reading programs at libraries. 

Hiatt’s own therapy partner, Darby, was born in Browning and was later adopted from the Humane Society. Hiatt and Darby spend three days on the job each week, visiting the ICU and pediatrics unit and Peterson Elementary. 

“My dog is intuitive. She looks for people that really need her,” Hiatt said. “[People] tell us about their dogs, and we add a little sunshine to their day.” 

Hiatt said Intermountain Therapy Animals is looking to add more teams as some retire each year. 

Hiatt recommends that those interested in volunteering consider certifying their dogs with the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen test first. The Intermountain Therapy Animals certification is similar as it looks at how dogs react to people, other dogs, and to loud and chaotic environments. Intermountain Therapy’s test does include a few specific things, like being around wheelchairs and carts.   

There is a local Intermountain Therapy Animals certification workshop Nov. 6-8. Dogs may be approved, approved with limitations, recommended to wait or deemed not a good fit. A preliminary evaluation may be conducted ahead of the workshop at a public place like Lowe’s. Email [email protected] if interested.

    Rusty the therapy dog. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)