The three-year-old golden Lab mix is now nearly two years into her role at the hospital and paired with physical therapist Sarah Carpenter.
Author: Jim Altman | Published: 7:10 PM EDT March 24, 2025 | Updated: 7:10 PM EDT March 24, 2025
WALLINGFORD, Conn. — For over a year and a half, K9 Mandy has been a familiar sight walking through the halls of Gaylord Hospital in Wallingford – and her role continues to evolve.
Mandy is Gaylord’s “facility dog." Trained by Canine Companions, Mandy began as a young pup around 18 months ago, and now the three-year-old golden retriever Labrador mix works 40 hours a week alongside her partner, physical therapist Sarah Carpenter.
“She loves coming to work, most people would think 40 hours is a lot for a dog, but she is so excited to get here every day," Carpenter said. "She participates in therapy sessions and she also participates in speech therapy sessions, OCC therapy sessions and she adds that extra layer of motivation, that extra layer of challenge -- and she’s really cute doing it.”
Carolyn Hamel, who is battling back from a stroke she suffered just two weeks ago, said she looks forward to getting more visits from Mandy.
“Just watching her with everybody, you can see those who are totally drawn to her and those that need something from her and I think she senses it too," Hamel said.
Carpenter not only works with Mandy but also takes her home from work each night.
“She is comfortable with every patient regardless of what they have going on. She is just in her glory and always giving out lots of love," she said.
Carpenter added that Mandy stickers and plush toys are coming soon to the gift shop at Gaylord Hospital. To follow Mandy on Instagram, go to @facility_dog_mandy.
