Veterinary Emergency Specialty donates to Canines for Coping

MADISON – Apple can take a deep breath and relax. She doesn’t have to worry about food or care for quite some time.

Apple, the facility dog at Madison Hospital, will benefit from a donation by North Alabama Veterinary Emergency + Specialty or NAVES to the hospital system’s Canines for Coping program.

Madison Chamber of Commerce announced the benevolent gift: “We’re happy to share a feel-good moment between two chamber members: North Alabama Veterinary Emergency + Specialty has donated $2,500 to support Madison Hospital’s beloved therapy dog, Apple.”

Canines for Coping is the facility dog program that provides joy and emotional support to pediatric and adult patients at Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children, Huntsville Hospital and Madison Hospital. The dogs’ world-class training combines with the expertise of their handlers to help patients cope, heal and achieve treatment goals. (huntsvillehospitalfoundation. org/caninesforcoping) “This support will contribute toward Canines for Coping program costs and keeps Apple doing what she does best: comforting patients, lifting spirits for employees and spreading joy throughout Madison Hospital. Thank you,” Madison Hospital President Mary Lynne Wright said.

Canines for Coping was the first facility dog program for a hospital in Alabama. The community funds the program at 100 percent by donations to Huntsville Hospital Foundation.

Apple at Madison Hospital joins her fellow dogs Asteroid, Orbit, Vivian and Paxton in Canines for Coping. Each dog is a full-time hospital employee – complete with an employee badge and business card.

This gift fully covers Apple’s veterinary care and dog food for 2026. The donation confirms that Apple can continue brightening days and comforting patients through the Canines for Coping program, Chamber President Michelle Epling said.

Representatives from NAVES, Madison Hospital and Huntsville Hospital Foundation gathered for a special presentation of the check. Of course, Apple and her handler also attended. “This partnership between two chamber members makes this story even sweeter and highlights the compassionate work happening right here in our community,” Epling said.

North Alabama Veterinary Emergency + Specialty is a full-service emergency veterinary and specialty pet care facility. NAVES has been serving the pets of North Alabama and South Tennessee for more than 25 years. Veterinarians are available no matter the day or time — nights, weekends and holidays. For an emergency, pet owners can call first for the vets to be prepared to assist when the pet arrives. (northaves.com) “We’re grateful to NAVES for investing in the well-being of the patients that Apple serves and for supporting the human- animal bond that makes such a meaningful impact at Madison Hospital,” Epling said.

NAVES’ address is 164 John Thomas Drive in Clift Farm. For more information, call 256-850-0077, or visit northaves. com.