ICU nurse returns from retirement to provide pet therapy

Susan McCall was a registered nurse for 40 years. She retired in 2020 after working for eight years in the intensive care unit at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital. Susan is now back at the hospital, this time with her certified pet therapy dog, Sly. Susan recently started volunteering with Sly. They stop by the nursing stations, interact with visitors, colleagues and patients when approved all while providing smiles and a little bit of relief. “I remember when I worked here, when the pet therapy dogs would come in, you notice your blood pressure lower and there is a stress reduction. The ICU team is very dog oriented, a lot of the nurses have animals so I know we will be appreciated,” said McCall.

Visitors were happy to see Sly during a recent visit. The 7-year-old split face Whippet was calm and his tail was wagging. He tolerated the petting and hugs well. Susan and Sly have experience providing pet therapy. In addition to their work at the hospital, they also visit area colleges during final exam season, assisted living facilities and employee appreciation events at local organizations. When not providing pet therapy, Sly is an award winning AKC field champion and competes in coursing, which is a racing event. McCall says Whippets are known for running up to 40 miles per hour.