#Japan #Tokyo #Shine On Kids #Facility Dog #Tommy

A Heartwarming Initiative at Tokyo's Children's Medical Center

In a groundbreaking move for pediatric care, the Tokyo Children's Medical Center has announced the introduction of a new Hospital Facility Dog, named Tommy, to realize its mission of supporting young patients. The initiative is in collaboration with the non-profit organization Shine On Kids, which specializes in animal-assisted therapy. With this addition, Tommy aims to enhance the experience and well-being of children and their families in the hospital's mental health ward, affectionately referred to as the 'Cocoro Ward.'

Tommy, a Labrador Retriever who is also part Golden Retriever, was born on January 18, 2023, and hails from Australia. He has undergone specialized training under Service Dogs Australia, a renowned organization focused on breeding working dogs. Tommy's journey to becoming a facility dog is a significant step forward for the center, which has already seen success with its first facility dog, Ivy, introduced in 2019.

The Legacy of Ivy

Since Ivy's arrival, she has been a beacon of hope and support for over 400 children and their families, as well as the healthcare professionals working at the center. Serving in a hospital environment, Ivy has provided emotional comfort and companionship, helping to navigate the stress and challenges faced by pediatric patients. This unique approach has demonstrated the positive impact that therapy dogs can have in healthcare settings.

With the invaluable experience gained from Ivy, the Tokyo Children's Medical Center has set its sights on expanding this initiative. As part of ongoing efforts, they launched a crowdfunding campaign to further support the introduction of additional facility dogs. The aim is to bolster the emotional support system in the hospital and provide continuous care through personalized interactions.

Tommy's Path to Recognition

Tommy's impending role as a facility dog was confirmed through rigorous training and evaluations. Following the framework set by the collaboration agreement established on June 2025 between the medical center and Shine On Kids, Tommy engaged in extensive training focused on practical skills and etiquette essential for his future duties. By September 2025, Tommy successfully passed a graduation test overseen by the Assistance Dogs International organization, a leading body in assistance dog training and evaluation. This test included assessments conducted by external third-party experts, ensuring objectivity and reliability in the process.

In a promising outcome, Tommy was declared physically and mentally fit for his role as a Hospital Facility Dog, receiving approval from professional veterinarians. The certification marks the beginning of what promises to be a supportive journey for pediatric patients starting in 2026, where Tommy will work alongside a new handler in the Cocoro Ward.

The Role of Facility Dogs in Pediatric Care

Facility dogs are specially trained canines designed to work within medical teams, delivering crucial emotional support to patients and families. They work alongside experienced handlers—often clinical staff with nursing backgrounds—creating connections that extend beyond mere interaction. In addition to providing companionship, facility dogs assist in various therapeutic endeavors such as accompanying children during difficult medical procedures or offering comfort during rehabilitation.

With a notable presence in four hospitals across Japan, including the Tokyo Children's Medical Center, facility dogs signify a transformative step in pediatric healthcare. Unlike smaller outreach programs, these dogs work long-term in hospital settings, ensuring consistent availability and fostering lasting relationships with young patients.

As the Tokyo Children's Medical Center prepares for Tommy's residency, the hospital remains committed to enhancing healthcare through innovative initiatives. With the combined efforts of Shine On Kids and the dedicated healthcare professionals at the center, the outlook for pediatric patients continues to become more compassionate and supportive.

How You Can Help

The initiative's expansion relies on public support through the crowdfunding campaign, and various opportunities for donations will ensure more facility dogs like Tommy can be welcomed into pediatric institutions. Your contributions can make a significant difference in transforming young patients' experiences and improving their mental health journey.

For further details on supporting this cause, visit the crowdfunding page linked here. As we look forward to Tommy's debut, the collaborative efforts of the Tokyo Children's Medical Center and Shine On Kids embody hope, healing, and community support for every child facing health challenges.