When Gwyn Davidson first spotted a golden-brown puppy at the pet store twelve years ago, she knew immediately that this wasn’t an ordinary husky. Without the typical breed markings, Brady stood out with his unique coloring and gentle spirit that seemed to signal something special ahead.
That intuition proved right. For the past two years, Brady has been a beloved Pet Partner at Regional Hospice’s Center for Comfort Care & Healing, bringing smiles, hugs, comfort and healing to patients and their loved ones during their most challenging moments. Alongside his dedicated handler Helen Hedemann, Brady has touched countless lives with his warm and friendly presence.
Helen previously volunteered more than 400 hours at our Center with her dog Raffi who sadly passed away in 2022. She has witnessed firsthand the profound impact Rafii, and now Brady, make. “He brings smiles to faces and brightens up some dark and scary times,” Helen shares, reflecting on the countless memories they’ve created together. Brady’s gift transcends age—he’s equally beloved by children and adults, each finding their own unique connection with him.
The power of Brady’s presence became deeply personal for Gwyn when her Uncle Lou became a patient at the Center. When Brady entered the room with Helen, Gwyn’s aunt immediately recognized Brady, creating an unexpected moment of comfort and connection during a difficult time. “It made me feel good that he was there for my family,” Gwyn recalls.
Among Brady’s many admirers, a beloved 105-year-old patient holds a special place in his heart. Each visit brings the same ritual: she feeds Brady his hot dog bites while sharing stories of her beloved schnauzer, Dusty, who passed away years ago.
As Brady transitions into retirement, his legacy at the center remains strong. While he’ll step back from regular volunteer duties, this golden-hearted husky will continue to grace our halls for special visits and occasions, ensuring that his unique gift for bringing light to difficult moments continues to touch lives.
Brady’s story reminds us that sometimes the most profound healing comes not from medicine or procedures, but from the simple presence of a caring soul—whether human or canine—who understands that being present is often the greatest gift we can offer.
