09/30/2026
FROM ONE CAMPUS TO A SYSTEMWIDE PAWSITIVE IMPACT
Faithful Paws and MD Andersonâs BeWell Paws program bring the healing power of pets to the people who care for others
OCTOBER, 2026 - HOUSTON, TEXAS â Sometimes the most meaningful ideas begin with a simple question: âWhy not?â
In 2023, that question led Adam Siegman, Site Lead, Workforce Wellness at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, to develop BeWell Paws, an employee wellness program designed to give MD Anderson employees a chance to pause from their important work caring for patients and experience the benefits of the human-animal bond.
Siegman partnered with Faithful Paws Pet Therapy, and BeWell Paws officially launched in August 2023. Dr. Marty Webb, a longtime Faithful Paws leader, helped establish the monthly visits at MD Andersonâs main Houston campus, with organizational support from Lynn Morris, Executive Director, and Jay Morris, Facilities Coordinator. And then came the real heroes: six Faithful Paws therapy dogs of different sizes and breeds, ready to bring their trademark unconditional love to MD Anderson employees. The response from Faithful Paws members who wanted to participate, many with personal connections to MDA, was overwhelming. So many teams volunteered, but only six could be selected for the inaugural visit. That enthusiasm continues today, with members supporting both the main campus and satellite campus BeWell Paws visits.
The impact was immediate In just the first 18 BeWell Paws sessions, more than 2,400 MD Anderson employees participated. Employee surveys showed a 68% increase in self-reported mood during the first two sessions of 2024. MD Anderson has seen firsthand how even a brief visit with a therapy dog can lift spirits, create connection and give employees a welcome opportunity to recharge.
And the program continues to grow. What began at MD Andersonâs main Houston campus has expanded to The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Katy, and League City, bringing Faithful Paws teams to even more MD Anderson employees.
A partnership made for each other
From the beginning, Faithful Paws and MD Anderson have shared a common belief: caring for people means caring for the whole personâand caring for the caregivers, too. That shared commitment to compassion, wellness, and connection has made BeWell Paws more than a pet therapy program. It is a partnership built around a shared purpose.
As Adam Siegman said: âWorking with Jay and Marty to set up our monthly visits was such a pleasure. Their flexibility, teamwork, and professionalism made the process easy and enjoyable. Faithful Paws is truly part of our mission of fostering a culture of wellness and providing our staff the best type of stress relief!â
The benefits go both ways
The benefits of pet therapy extend beyond the people we visit. For many Faithful Paws volunteersâmany of whom are retiredâsharing the love of their pets brings purpose, connection, and joy. Faithful Paws handlers give their time and their hearts to make a difference in the lives of others, while their pets give them a meaningful way to stay active, engaged, and connected to their community.
Nearly 30 years of unconditional love
Faithful Paws has served the Greater Houston community since 1997. Today, the volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit has more than 200 pet therapy teams visiting hospitals, schools, senior living communities, hospice, rehabilitation facilities, colleges, prisons, universities, and businesses. Its teamsâdogs, cats, and rabbitsâbring comfort and connection to more than 30,000 patients, families, staff, students, and community members each year.
The people who care for others deserve a little care, too. That simple idea brought Faithful Paws and MD Anderson together. And it continues to bring them togetherâone wagging tail, one smile, and one pawsitive moment at a time.
www.faithfulpawshouston.org
Lynn Morris, Executive Director & Adam Siegman
with Presto & Rhapsody, September 2026
