Meet the hospital dogs ‘making a real difference’ by getting sick kids to smile
Hospital facility dogs are providing emotional support to children in medical settings, helping them cope with stress and pain. These specially trained dogs are becoming increasingly common in children's hospitals across the United States. Research indicates that interactions with these dogs can significantly improve children's well-being and comfort during hospital stays.
- ▪Facility dogs like Hadley at Cincinnati Children's Hospital help children feel more at ease during stressful procedures.
- ▪Studies show that interactions with facility dogs can decrease pain and reduce stress levels in pediatric patients.
- ▪The number of facility dog programs in children's hospitals is growing, with more hospitals adopting these initiatives.
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The first time 5-year-old Calvin Owens went outside in more than a month, he met up with his canine friend Hadley on a hospital patio. Despite being tethered to equipment with wires and tubes, the little boy managed to stand up near his wheelchair long enough to toss her a ball.Recommended Video He smiled as she ran to fetch it. Caregivers cheered. “Look how good you’re doing!” said Hadley’s handler, Schellie Scott. Such small victories and moments of joy are common whenever Hadley or one of the other three facility dogs at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital show up. These furry caregivers aren’t the typical therapy dogs volunteers bring to hospitals to comfort patients.
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