Mother Joins Therapy Dog Service 30 Years After Son's Stay in Burn Center

Willow and her handler, Amber Kiefer, frequently make visits to the Burn Center at UC San Diego Health Medical Center at Hillcrest to bring smiles and comfort to recovering patients. Amber has a strong, personal connection to the Burn Center, 30 years ago her son was admitted as a patient to the very same unit. Amber distinctly remembers when the therapy dogs would visit and the joy and comfort it brought to both her and her son. ⁠
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She told herself that one day she would return to UC San Diego Health, but this time with a therapy dog of her own. Her and Willow are a part of the Tender Loving Canines (TLC) Therapy Dog Visitation Program and make weekly visits to the hospital. ⁠

0:00 Therapy dogs back at the hospital
0:13 Meet Amber and Willow
0:39 Ambers personal connection
1:06 Willow helps a patient