#United States #Houston #Facility Dogs #Children's Memorial Hermann #Peds Care

Expansion of the Facility Dog Program at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital

In a heartwarming development, Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital has just welcomed two new furry members to their team: Stephan, a golden retriever, and Boris, a lab-golden retriever mix. These adorable canines are set to play a vital role in enhancing the emotional and medical support for pediatric patients at the hospital. The facility dog program, which began in 2019, was established to provide emotional support and comfort to children undergoing medical treatments.

New Additions to the Team

Stephan and Boris are not just charming mascots; they have undergone rigorous training to ensure their capability to assist pediatric patients effectively. Each dog spent the initial months with their handlers, bonding and developing essential skills tailored to their future roles. After six months of training that included mastering over 40 commands, these dogs have been certified as facility dogs. This meticulous preparation is essential in ensuring they respond well to the needs of young patients in sensitive medical environments.

Task Integration and Impact

The facility dog program operates in collaboration with Canine Companions, allowing the hospital to expand its canine team from three to five dogs. This is a significant step in enhancing access to support services across various pediatric units. Their handlers, Katie Rehm and Rachel Graves, are Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) carefully selected to work with these dogs.

Katie and Stephan will be primarily involved at the pediatric heart center, while Rachel and Boris will focus on the pediatric oncology unit and outpatient clinics. Their roles are diverse and impactful; these dogs will engage in activities such as demonstrating medical procedures to help alleviate young patients' fears. For instance, Boris will showcase how it feels to lie in a CT scanner, effectively normalizing what might be perceived as a frightening experience.

Emotional Connections and Healing

The presence of facility dogs has shown groundbreaking effects in providing comfort to children during challenging times. As Katie Rehm stated, “Stephan and Boris will perform a multitude of tasks to educate and comfort patients.” Their ability to connect with patients often surpasses traditional human interactions, creating a unique bond that promotes emotional healing.

Rachel Graves echoed this sentiment, noting, “The impact the dogs are making on our patients has been incredible.” The calming demeanor of these dogs enables them to facilitate relationships between patients and the care team while injecting positivity into an otherwise stressful atmosphere.

A Special Graduation Ceremony

To officially welcome Stephan and Boris into their roles, a graduation ceremony was held, celebrating their training and readiness to assist. The ceremony served as an acknowledgment of their potential to positively influence the pediatric care environment.

As hospitals continually adapt to better serve their patients, the integration of facility dogs into health care practices is an incredible innovation that not only improves overall patient experience but also addresses the emotional challenges faced by young patients. With their friendly wagging tails and compassionate spirits, Stephan and Boris undoubtedly represent a significant step forward in pediatric care at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital.

In a world where medical visits can be daunting, these talented pups are poised to change the narrative, showing that healing can often come with a wag of a tail and a gentle nuzzle.