Firelands spotlights volunteers Tammie, Luna Brenton

SANDUSKY — For June, Firelands Health placed its monthly volunteer spotlight on Tammie Brenton and her dog, Luna Brenton. They joined Firelands Health as pet therapy volunteers in June 2021. Tammie is from El Dorado, Kansas, and has lived in Sandusky for 21 years. She and her husband, Matthew, have two children, Madison and Seth, as well as two grandchildren, Adilene and Brenton. Tammie is a therapist specializing in grief at stay wellness. She's also the founder and executive director of the Madison Brenton Foundation, which supports people with complex medical conditions, grief, and trauma. A statement from Firelands Health provided more context on why Tammie and Luna began volunteering: Her journey into pet therapy began as a way to honor her daughter Madi, who spent far too many days in hospital rooms. During those challenging times, one thing that could also brighten Madi's spirits was the visits from the therapy dogs. When Madi passed away in 2018, following her double lung transplant, Tammie knew she wanted to find a meaningful way to carry her inspiration and love forward. Bringing that same joy to other people is the perfect tribute to Madi's memory. No matter how difficult Tammie's day has been, walking out of the hospital after her and Luna's visits fills her heart with a gentle lightness. In those moments, she can feel that she made Madi proud, and that means everything to Tammie. Volunteering at Firelands 1 South Unit has become the most meaningful experience that Tammie and Luna share together. Pet therapy offers countless benefits, and Luna's gentle spirit brings genuine comfort and a smile to almost everyone they meet. Luna isn't just any therapy dog – she's a natural performer. Thanks to her serious treat obsession, she has mastered an impressive repertoire of tricks that never fails to delight her friends at the hospital. What makes our volunteer work especially enjoyable is that Luna is part of a dynamic team. Marcia brings her dog, Sam, who has developed quite a crush on Luna. Sam is quite vocal about his affection toward Luna. It's become a running joke that pet therapy night is just Sam and Luna's weekly date night.