Vanderbilt Health Celebrates Pookie and Ollie as Pets of the Day

Vanderbilt Health has announced the latest “Pets of the Day,” featuring two beloved dogs, Pookie and Ollie. The announcement highlights the joy these pets bring to their owners and the community. Pookie, a lively seven-year-old Jack Russell terrier, was submitted by Jack Stavely from the Materials Management department at Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital. Described as a rescue dog, Pookie is known for his playful nature and penchant for hiding rawhide bones around the house.

Ollie, the second Pet of the Day, is a mix of border collie and Australian shepherd. His owner, Jackie Kutcher, is affiliated with the Vanderbilt Health network. Ollie is recognized for his intelligence and agility, traits common in both breeds.

About the Pets of the Day Program

The Pets of the Day feature is part of a regular initiative by the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, included in the bi-weekly MyVUMC News newsletter. This program showcases pets submitted by employees, offering a light-hearted glimpse into the lives of staff members and their furry companions. The pets are selected from numerous entries received through the VUMC Voice Pet Photo Contest, which encourages employees to share photos and stories of their pets.

Participants in the contest can look forward to the next submission period, which will be announced in future editions of the newsletter. The community can view all featured pets and their stories by visiting the VUMC Voice site at https://news.vumc.org/section/voice/pets-vumc/.

Pookie and Ollie were featured in the February 12, 2026, edition of MyVUMC News, bringing a smile to readers and enhancing the sense of community within the Vanderbilt Health network. The initiative not only promotes employee engagement but also fosters a spirit of camaraderie among staff, as they celebrate their shared love for animals.