REM Award Honorees (2006) — Ed Robeau and Panda (Inland Hospital)

Staff and volunteers at Inland Hospital are dedicated to making every patient’s stay comfortable and extraordinary. When volunteer Ed Robeau comes to the hospital, he brings patients and families comforting conversation and the unconditional love of his caring canine, Panda.

Robeau and Panda, a seven-year-old Shitzu, have been volunteering at Inland since Robeau semi-retired from the social work in 2000.

“The doctors and nurses have seen the impact Panda has on patients,” says Robeau. “Petting Panda is a calming experience — it reduces stress, decreases blood pressure — even the sickest, most depressed patient can experience a major attitude change. It’s very rewarding to touch a person’s life that way.”

Inland Hospital sincerely thanks Ed Robeau and Panda for making a difference in the lives of its patients!

For more information about Inland Hospital, please visit its website.