Sharon Pitz: Volunteering in the spirit of MLK

posted January 15th, 2010

In her volunteer work, Sharon Pitz has some unusual co-workers. They are four-legged and furred and tailed, and they do wonderful work in making patients feel loved.

For the last 15 years, Sharon has worked with the national organization Pet Therapy, bringing her specially trained and groomed companions to cancer patients at Duke and to elderly patients at Durham rehabilitation centers. She and her dogs spend about five hours a month in direct service to patients.

Sharon volunteers one night a week at the Durham Kennel Club, teaching obedience classes to new dog owners. Most of the dogs she trains are rescue animals. "Sharon's commitment to enhancing the lives of others through the pet therapy program and basic obedience classes is a different kind of volunteer activity than what typically comes to mind," writes Renee L. Williams, director of Nutrition Services. "She's not warming the disadvantaged with clothing or financial support, but providing warm hearts and cheerful moments to those in need."

Tina Piccirilli, administrative director for the Duke Center for Cancer Survivorship, adds that the contributions of Sharon and her dogs have provided patients with "15 years of joy, anticipation, smiles, furry hugs, memorable photos, and tremendous success... The furry companions just seem to lighten the mood of anyone nearby."

Sharon was one of DUH's 2010 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Caregiver Award nominees.  Learn more about others nominees and the 2010 MLK Community Caregiver here.

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