The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Dogs for Joy Program has granted 15 full-time pediatric service dogs to over a dozen children’s hospitals across the country. These dogs, known as in-residence dogs, are full-time employees of the hospital who come to work every day like their human counterparts and serve as a critical part of a child’s treatment team. Three pediatric hospitals will receive their service dogs this month.
These highly specialized dogs help ease anxiety and reduce stress for young patients and their families. Each of these amazing dogs are trained to do incredible tasks, like keep kids calm during medical procedures, teach kids how to take a pill, or model how to put on a hospital gown.
Bob is a two-year-old Golden Doodle joining the ranks at the Floating Hospital for Children, the full-service pediatric hospital of Tufts Medical Center in Boston. Bob is from Canine Assistants. His favorite toys are the new Dunkin’ + BARK Munchkins donut hole treats dog toy and his stuffed bumble bee toy. His favorite activities are playing catch and receiving belly rubs. Bob’s best quality is that he brings joy to every person he meets, just by walking into a room.
Litta, short for Melitta, is the newest service dog to join The Children’s Hospital at OU Medicine’s staff in Oklahoma City. She is a two-year-old Chocolate Labrador Retriever from Canine Assistants. Litta, who also goes by Litta Love or Litta Lu, loves to cuddle with patients, family members, and staff. Her favorite toy is a pink stuffed dinosaur, and her best quality is being brave.
Dilly has joined the staff of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia from Susquehanna Service Dogs (SSD). He is a two-year-old Yellow Labrador Retriever who loves snuggling. His favorite toys are his stuffed puppy and treat puzzle. He is a goofball who loves to munch on the hospital ice chips. Dilly’s best quality is his patience.
—Jennifer Swartvagher
All photos courtesy of Dunkin’
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