Inn’s Therapy Dog Turns 11

Zilly, the Children’s Inn at NIH therapy dog, celebrates his 11th birthday.

Photo:  Children's Inn at NIH

On Valentine’s Day, the Children’s Inn at NIH celebrated Zilly the therapy dog’s 11th birthday.

The Inn community gathered to celebrate her birthday at a gathering in the Inn’s community kitchen. Tables were set up with dog-themed treats, such as red and pink frosted cookies shaped like dog bones, as well as stickers and crafts about everyone’s favorite Australian Labradoodle.

Zilly arrived at the Inn just before her first birthday in 2015. She has served as the Inn’s certified therapy dog ever since.

The hypoallergenic mix between a Labrador retriever and poodle has quickly created bonds with newcomers both young and old, providing a furry friend for anyone who might want one, whether they are visiting the Inn for a few hours or staying for several months.

Through her role as a certified therapy dog, Zilly also makes regular visits to families undergoing inpatient treatments at the Clinical Center. Before her party, she took time to do that, brightening the days of some of the children who aren’t yet able to leave the hospital.