Franco Thomas

Franco was bred to be a guide dog, but he found a home with IVCH Physical Therapist Michele Thomas and together they enjoy all that Tahoe has to offer. Skiing and hiking in the backcountry are favorites, especially if a good game of stick throw is involved. Swimming in the lake after a Frisbee is also fun, but having Michele paddle him around on the paddle board is even better. Franco is a member of the IVCH goose patrol, helping keep the Incline beaches clean by chasing off geese.
 
You will find Franco in his Pet Partners therapy vest greeting patients as they come into the waiting room at IVCH PT, and offering encouragement with exercises while sharing their exercise mat. He will show you his downward dog if you say “Stretch Franco.” He keeps a good watch on the gym exercise patients and those in the Exercise for Energy class, mainly because they give him treats.
 
Franco’s career as a therapy dog has also allowed him membership into Paws for Love and the Paws to Read program. Michele and Franco enjoy the reading program at the Incline library and Incline elementary school. The kids love to read to Franco and he has learned so much.