'She's just like family': Grand Forks therapy dog honored at Altru retirement celebration

GRAND FORKS — For 12 years, a familiar face at Altru Health System in Grand Forks has helped patients and nurses through some of their hardest days.

And on Wednesday, Oct. 28, they celebrated her retirement, with plenty of pets and a few tears.

For the people who know Brita, the comfort she brings is very real.

Sarah West first met the therapy dog 10 years ago while she was in Altru's intensive care unit, struggling with her breathing.

"The handler brought Brita in and my breathing came under control and I really calmed down afterwards," West said.

Over the last 12 years, Brita and her owner, Laurel Johnson, have logged more than 1,200 hours making hospital stays a little easier for patients.

And the pair have their own way of communicating.

Johnson is a retired sign language interpreter who taught Brita to understand more than 50 words in ASL.

Johnson says Brita makes a point of checking on everyone in the room.

"She likes to go and check in on everybody and she usually does stay a little bit longer with the people that are feeling the most stress and actually need her," Johnson said.

That includes the people caring for the patients.

Registered nurse Ro...