Two beloved pets have been featured as the latest “Pets of the Day” by Vanderbilt Health, highlighting the joy and companionship that animals bring to their owners. Pookie, a spirited seven-year-old Jack Russell terrier, was submitted by Jack Stavely from the Materials Management department at Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital. Pookie, described affectionately as a rescue dog who has “rescued” his owner, enjoys playing fetch and has a unique talent for hiding his rawhide bones in various spots around the house.
The second pet honored today is Ollie, a border collie and Australian shepherd mix, submitted by Jackie Kutcher of the Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network. Ollie is celebrated for his playful nature and loyalty, making him a cherished companion to his family.
Vanderbilt Health’s Pet Photo Contest
The “Pets of the Day” feature is part of the ongoing initiative by Vanderbilt University Medical Center to celebrate the bond between humans and their pets. These featured pets are selected from numerous entries submitted to the VUMC Voice Pet Photo Contest, which showcases the endearing connections that exist between staff and their animals.
The selection process for these pets occurs regularly, with the winners announced in the MyVUMC News newsletter, published twice a week by the VUMC News and Communications team. Individuals who submitted entries to the contest are encouraged to look out for their pets’ potential feature in future editions of the newsletter.
For those interested in participating, the next submission period for the Pet Photo Contest will be announced later this year in MyVUMC News, providing a chance for more pets to be recognized in this heartwarming series.
Accessing the Pet Collection
In addition to the Pets of the Day feature, a collection of submitted pet photos can be viewed on the VUMC Voice website. This platform serves as a repository for the many adorable and entertaining submissions received, showcasing the wide variety of pets owned by the staff at Vanderbilt Health.
Pookie and Ollie were prominently featured in the February 12, 2026, edition of MyVUMC News, continuing the tradition of celebrating the joy that pets bring into our lives. This initiative not only fosters a sense of community among staff but also highlights the invaluable role pets play in enhancing well-being and happiness.
