If you have been to Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital, you may have noticed the Paws for Care plaque remembering the hospital’s Caring Canines. Caring Canines are registered therapy dogs who visit the hospital accompanied by their handlers, to provide companionship and comfort to patients and staff. Community West Foundation proudly holds the fund that provides resources to support the Caring Canines Program at Fairview Hospital.

Recently we honored Teddy Monroe, a cherished goldendoodle, who served as a beloved therapy dog for over seven years until he passed away in September. Teddy’s devoted handler, Coleen, shared he always put a smile on the face of even the sickest patient and left his paw prints on the hearts of many.

Community West Foundation was once a hospital-support foundation for Fairview and Lutheran Hospital.   In 1997, the foundation converted to a freestanding philanthropic organization governed by its own board of trustees, independent of the health system.  That’s when Community West Foundation began to explore community-wide grantmaking while still supporting the two hospitals and continues that partnership to the present day.  The partnership includes managing funds, such as Caring Canines, and events to support programs and services they provide to both employees and patients.

Teddy always put a smile on the face of even the sickest patient 

Coleen Monroe, Teddy’s owner, visits the Paws for Care plaque at Fairview Hospital