Weβve all thought that spending time with our cats is like therapyβand Roger the Therapy Cat is showing the world that it really can be!
Since 2016, Roger and his human Tracy have volunteered through Pet Partners, providing comfort and companionship to over 10,000 people at hospitals, schools, community events, and more. Roger has spent the last 7 years volunteering at Phoenix Childrenβs Hospital, where his gentle presence soothes patients and their families facing difficult times.
How Roger's story began
"I had some friends who had an Italian Greyhound and they told me how every night a cat came to their backyard to play with him," Tracy says. "One night [the cat] didn't come, and the next morning they found her in their shed with kittens!
"3 of the kittens were white with gray, but one kitten was gray with white (Roger)! At the time I already had two cats and I was nervous about getting a third, but all my friends pressured me onto take himβand I'm glad I did!"
Tracy had always wanted a grey cat who would walk on a leash. After adopting Roger, Tracy quickly found out that he loves car rides, wearing a harness, and exploring the outdoors.
Considering Roger's friendly and easygoing temperament, a social worker suggested Tracy apply to a therapy animal program. Tracyβs application for Roger to become a registered therapy cat was approved after one try!
