BUTLER TWP — Those who drive past the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at the Independence Health System’s two medical oncology locations likely picture worried patients going through their treatments.

But little do they know that a cuddly four-legged angel is causing those patients to relax and smile every day.

Henrietta, a midsize goldendoodle — or golden retriever-poodle crossbreed — celebrated her second birthday recently at the Cancer Support Services Center at the health system’s Benbrook Medical Campus.

Stacy Meyer, oncology patient navigator at the cancer center, is Henrietta’s handler, while the health system is her owner.

Meyer takes an eager “Heni” through the Benbrook Road cancer center to meet and greet those receiving radiation treatments, and to the health system’s Crossroads Campus to visit those undergoing chemotherapy.

“She will back in and lean on people’s legs,” said Meyer, who is clearly smitten with the playful, fluffy white pooch. “She just lets people pet her.”

She said Heni will rest at her feet while she types away at her desk, but would much rather be working.

“She doesn’t want to be in my office,” Meyer said. “She wants to be with the patients.”

Heni has been such a blessing to cancer patients that Meyer has received calls from Butler Memorial Hospital’s intensive care unit, where terminal cancer patients ask to see the dog one last time.

“We can’t go into the ICU, so I sent and 8-by-10 picture to one patient,” Meyer said. “Our patients feel like she’s a part of their journey.”

She said one patient even mentioned Heni in her obituary.

“That’s when I really realized the impact she’s had,” Meyer said. “I’m the oncology patient navigator, but to most people, I’m the lady with the dog.”

Meyer said she feels Heni helps calm cancer patients undergoing treatment, and divert their thoughts from their troubles for a little while.

A woman last week who nervously arrived at the cancer center for her first treatment was thrilled to see a therapy dog on-site, Meyer said.

Henrietta is named for Henry Sinopoli, who died on Sept. 10, 2021, from injuries sustained in a bicycle accident.

Sinopoli, who was an educator, school superintendent, Boy Scout board member and general community leader, attended Meyer's support group sessions after being diagnosed with cancer a few years ago.

He continued to attend support group meetings even after he beat his cancer.

“He never missed a group, and he always came with a huge smile,” Meyer said. “He was so eager to learn and to teach.”

Heni came to Meyer as an 8-week-old pup, and was certified on May 23 as a therapy dog through Control Is Key in Middlesex Township.

She said Matthew Wilson trained the energetic Heni twice a week at his facility.

To be certified, Heni had to sit and come on command, heel while walking on a leash, stop when her handler stops, refrain from barking while working, and remain calm on the leash even when faced with loud noises, people or other dogs.

“It’s all about behavior, not tricks,” Meyer said.

Meyer said because she visits vulnerable patients, Heni is bathed weekly and groomed monthly.

“And Heni is a hypoallergenic dog,” Meyer said. “That’s why I chose a goldendoodle.”

She said Cindy at Pampered Pooch in Harmony pays particular attention to Heni’s needs due to the importance of the dog’s job, including grooming the pup for her birthday party on her day off.

“I have the most beautiful people in my life,” Meyer said.

Heni’s birthday party at the center on Friday, Sept. 29, included graham cracker-based treats that could be enjoyed by both humans and dogs, plus cupcakes for the cancer center employees who attended.

Meyer said Heni also lifts the spirits of the medical staff members, whose jobs can be emotionally trying at times.

“The employees adore her,” she said. “They feel like she is part of the work family.”

But Meyer had to tell the cancer center employees not to bring treats in for their canine co-worker.

“She’s not here for rewards,” she said. “She’s working.”

After work, Heni goes home to the house Meyer shares with her husband, John, and daughter, Lucy, 15.

John often picks up Heni at the cancer center after his workday is complete if his wife is still working.

Lucy has helped with Heni’s evening “homework” while the dog was training at Control Is Key, reinforcing the lessons Wilson instilled.

“It’s hard to get her to sit and stay without a treat,” she said.

The teen is thrilled that Heni has joined her family, which also includes a small dog.

“We’ve always had little dogs, and I wanted a bigger dog,” she said.

Lucy recalled her excitement when her mom broke the news that a goldendoodle puppy would be coming to live at the Meyer house.

“I had her cage in my room for like three months before she came,” she said. “Now she sleeps in my bed. I love her to pieces.”

Lucy said Heni also received her Canine Good Citizen status through the American Kennel Club, so she can go visit those in nursing homes if the family chooses to take her.

The dog was procured and is maintained through the Independence Health System Foundation.