Children's goes to the dogs

Patient Jessica Hartwig enjoys a visit from Pawprints volunteer Brady.

With the launch of the Pawprints Program in February, Children's Hospital Boston turned to a new kind of caregiver to help patients feel better when they're in the hospital: the canine kind. Stella, a Labrador retriever, became the first volunteer in the hospital's new therapy dog visitation program, but she's since been joined by Amos, a golden retriever, and Brady, a golden retriever/husky mix. Several more dogs are currently undergoing evaluations to join the program. The goal of the program is to promote healing by giving hospitalized children and their families a diversion from the usual hospital routine, but Aimee Lyons, RN, MSN, CCRN, who coordinates the program, says the dogs do much more than that. "These programs are successful because dogs don't care how many tubes you have in, how many scars you have or what language you speak," she says. "They give you unconditional love."

Michele Abrecht, whose 8-year-old daughter Lexi recently spent the better part of three months in the hospital (including several weeks in traction), says the dog visits have helped break the monotony of a long stay. "Lexi really looks forward to the visits from Brady and Stella; they've always made her happy. It's been all the therapy we need."

For more information on the program, which was launched by a grant from The Children's Hospital League, visit www.childrenshospital.org/pawprints.

These puppies are pros

Every year Children's celebrates Child Life Week, which is an opportunity to acknowledge the work of the hospital's 17 Child Life specialists, who use play to help children express the fears and concerns they face when they're sick. One of the highlights of Child Life Week is always Puppy Pre-Op, a chance for patients and families to see what a hospital visit will be like before they go through it themselves.

Children walk with their stuffed animals through typical pre-operative hospital procedures, including getting their vital signs taken, having blood drawn, getting X-rays, having a physical exam and getting fitted with bandages or casts. Staff from around the hospital are on hand to explain what they're doing and why. "It's a great opportunity for children to learn about medical treatment and about Children's," says Child Life Specialist Kelly Wicker, CCLS. "The hospital can be overwhelming for a child. Puppy Pre-Op gives the kids and their families a fun, hands-on understanding of what's going on and gives them control by allowing them to play out their experience." -MC