ROCKFORD, Ill. — A local hospital is looking for dog owners to volunteer with its visiting dog program.

UW Health announced it plans to grow its Caring Canines program in 2026 by recruiting more volunteers and their dogs to visit patients.

The program was created to boost patients' physical, social, emotional, and cognitive well-being while they are at UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital, according to Shelley Beatty, the manager of guest services for UW Health in northern Illinois.

"Since we revived the program earlier this year, we have received incredibly positive feedback from patients and staff," said Beatty. "Volunteer visits play a vital role in reducing stress and providing comfort to patients throughout their hospital stay."

Right now, there are five dog-and-handler teams who

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