Asteroid, Chief Dog Officer

Huntsville Hospital Foundation is thrilled to congratulate Asteroid on her recent “promotion” to Chief Dog Officer! Asteroid became the first facility dog in the state of Alabama when she joined the Canines for Coping program at Huntsville Hospital Foundation in 2019.

Since then, the Canines for Coping program has tracked consistently positive patient outcomes including increased healing, decreased anxiety, improved mood and reduced blood pressure.

In this new role, Asteroid and her handler, Certified Child Life Specialist Stefani Williams, will exclusively focus on the needs of HH Health staff members and managing the Canines for Coping program.

About Canines for Coping
Canines for Coping is a program of Huntsville Hospital Foundation that provides joy and emotional support to pediatric and adult patients at Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children, Huntsville Hospital and Madison Hospital. Canines for Coping facility dogs Asteroid, Orbit, Vivian, Apple and Paxton are full-time employees and work in the hospital with their handlers 40 hours per week, with time allowed for downtime, naps and walks. Because they are professionally trained service dogs, all five dogs are able to provide services based on medical goals, can be present during procedures and can assist with bereavement. Canines for Coping is funded by Huntsville Hospital Foundation through community donations. To give in support of this meaningful program, visit huntsvillehospitalfoundation.org.