March 23, 2026 — Meet Honeybee, a therapy dog who has been visiting Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Austin since 2018. Honeybee comforts patients and staff during daily rounds and is often incorporated into therapy.
During therapy, Honeybee assists in helping patients with balance and functional reach. For patients that have pets at home, Honeybee supports with daily pet care practice such as going for a walk. Aside from her role in therapy, Honeybee is also a nonpharmacological technique to help patients with high pain or anxiety.
“Patients love her,” said Liz Markland, director of therapy operations at Encompass Health Austin. “She has been recognized on patient satisfaction surveys.”
The response to Honeybee has been overwhelmingly positive at Encompass Health Austin. Beyond her role in therapy, Honeybee uplifts the hospital team, calming patients and staff during hard days. Lately, Honeybee has another important job — welcoming the hospital's next therapy dog.
“Honeybee recently celebrated her 13th birthday,” Markland said. “Since she is getting close to retirement, she is now helping orient our new therapy dog, Birdie.”
Until it's time to sign off, Honeybee will continue bringing smiles every time she reports to work.