submitted Cassie with handler Lawrence Underwood. Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital has recently established a pet therapy program for patients and staff throughout the facility. Cassie, a 19-month-old Red Merle Australian Shepherd and Freedom, an 8-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever, are the two new caring canines offering support and comfort to patients and staff on a regular basis. Cassie, a Certified Therapy Dog through KY-911 C.O.P.s. (Community Outreach Pups), has her Certificate of Excellence and badges for Service Dog and KY-K911 Soldier Saver. Her pet parents and handlers are Lawrence and Marsha Underwood who are both employees at LCRH. Freedom is a "facility dog" and is owned by Paws with Purpose (PwP), a 501c non-profit organization in Louisville, Kentucky that provides assistance dogs to many hospitals around the state. Facility dogs begin their training as early as 8 weeks of age and partner with a facilitator working in a health care, visitation, or education setting. Freedom's handler is Dr. Manoj Chandran, a psychiatrist working with the behavioral health unit at LCRH.