Vanderbilt University Medical Center recently featured two delightful pets in its “Pets of the Day” segment. The spotlight is on Pookie, a spirited seven-year-old Jack Russell terrier, and Ollie, a lively border collie/Australian shepherd mix. This initiative highlights the cherished companionship pets bring to their owners and fosters a sense of community among staff members.
Pookie was submitted by Jack Stavely from the Materials Management department at Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital. Describing Pookie, Stavely shared, “He is a rescue dog (he rescued me) and is a very active seven-year-old Jack Russell terrier. He loves to play fetch and hides his rawhide bones EVERYWHERE!” His enthusiastic personality and playful nature are a source of joy to Stavely and his family.
Meanwhile, Ollie was nominated by Jackie Kutcher of the Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network. Kutcher’s description emphasizes Ollie’s intelligence and energy, traits characteristic of his breed mix. As a border collie/Australian shepherd mix, Ollie is likely to exhibit both agility and loyalty, making him a wonderful companion.
Vanderbilt’s Pet Initiative
The “Pets of the Day” feature is a beloved segment of the MyVUMC News newsletter, which is published twice weekly by Vanderbilt’s News and Communications team. This initiative encourages staff members to share their pets by submitting photos to the VUMC Voice Pet Photo Contest. Hundreds of entries are received, showcasing the diverse and heartwarming relationships between pets and their owners.
In addition to the Pets of the Day, regular collections of pet photos are made available on the VUMC Voice site. The initiative not only highlights individual pets but also fosters a sense of connection among staff through shared experiences and stories.
How to Participate
For those interested in nominating a pet for future features, Vanderbilt University Medical Center will announce the next submission period for the Pet Photo Contest later this year in MyVUMC News. This initiative allows the community to celebrate the unique personalities of their pets while reinforcing the bond between humans and animals.
Pookie and Ollie were featured in the February 12, 2026, edition of MyVUMC News, illustrating the ongoing commitment of Vanderbilt University Medical Center to celebrate the joyful companionship of pets among its staff.
For more heartwarming pet stories and photographs, readers can visit the VUMC Voice site at the following link: [VUMC Pets](https://news.vumc.org/section/voice/pets-vumc/).
