This is the sixth in a series of articles in partnership with NewmarketToday highlighting 100 years of care and community as Southlake Regional Health Centre celebrates its centennial this year.
Veronica Evers-Doyle is a firm believer in giving back to her community, especially when it comes to her local hospital, Southlake. No effort is too small if it makes the world better for someone else, and while there are many ways to give, she has found a unique way to spread some "pawsitivity."
“Everyone has a way to give,” Evers-Doyle is quick to share. “Some can give financially, and others can give their time. I can give my time and my dogs.”
Trained to provide affection, comfort and support, Evers-Doyle and her three generations of Nova Scotia Duck Tollers have volunteered at Southlake for nearly 15 years. Her dogs have been and continue to be well known to patients, staff and visitors, who always appreciate a visit from their furry friends.
“I’m a cancer survivor and current patient at Southlake. I have experienced firsthand the healing power of animals and the peace they can bring when battling your most difficult moments.”
Recognizing the importance and benefits of animal therapy within hospitals, Evers-Doyle worked with Southlake and St. John Ambulance to train and certify her first therapy dog, Sierra. The pair joined Southlake as volunteers and were the first-ever dog team to visit Southlake’s regional cancer centre when it opened its doors in 2010.
Drumlin, Evers-Doyle’s second therapy dog, expanded on Sierra’s treasured legacy by working with pediatric patients in the child and adolescent eating disorders program. Together, they began providing therapeutic support to children with cancer at the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario Clinic in 2022 — once again being the first dog team to do so.
“The kids are so amazing and appreciative whenever we visit them. These visits have become one of the most rewarding parts of our volunteer work. The kids smile, they laugh, and they deeply connected with Drumlin.”
In 2023, after volunteering with Veronica for six years, Drumlin passed away after spending his final days doing what he loved with his longtime partner — helping to create the best experiences for everyone who walks through the hospital’s doors.
“Southlake is incredibly fortunate to have volunteers like Veronica, who choose to share their experiences, talents and even some furry friends with our patients, staff and communities,” says Laura Scavone, the volunteer specialist at Southlake, who works with St. John Ambulance to run the volunteer therapy dog program. “Our volunteers have left a lasting impact on countless people who have come to Southlake over the last 100 years, and we’re excited to work with them for a hundred years more.”
Today, Drumlin’s ‘granddoghter,’ Aerial, has completed her training and is now a certified therapy dog. Aerial and Evers-Doyle continue to build on the three generations of teamwork to support patients and staff at Southlake.
“There are days where I think maybe I should stay home and rest, but I go because I always feel rewarded by the work we do. There are many days where I leave Southlake and I know that I have made a difference, and that is why I continue to do this volunteer work almost 15 years later.”
For 100 years and counting, Southlake has built healthy communities through leading edge care with an unwavering pride for people, place and performance. To celebrate its centennial anniversary, Southlake is revisiting some of its hallmark stories and achievements over the years through the Southlake100 series. Learn more about Southlake’s esteemed history and how they’re celebrating throughout the year at www.southlake.ca.
