At M Health Fairview’s Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIBD), some patients can now touch a dog while on site. This dog, though, is doing more than simply touching them back; she is touching countless lives. Ann, Jersey, and Cala Facility Dog Jersey joined Child Life Specialists Cala and Ann at MIBD early in 2023. “She’s just a blessing,” says Cala. Not only can Jersey perform retrieving, snuggling, and “visiting” (lying her head on a lap) skills on command, she also engages in “medical play.” One example is how she shows young patients—using a mock MRI scanner—what a real …
facility dogs
Fern Pours Whole Heart Into Facility Dog Role at Children’s Hospital
It’s commonly believed that dogs have a calming effect on people. At M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital, there is proof. Fern, who began as one of two facility dogs there this spring can lower a child’s stress level just with her presence. Fern’s primary handler, Phylicia Petit, explains, “The nurses noticed every time Fern would walk by [one particular patient’s room, that patient’s] heart rate would change.” Little changes like that can be a big deal when a child is in the hospital, especially on the cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) where Fern spends most of her working time. …
Virtual Conversation with Jeff Johnson & Julianne Larsen
On Thursday, April 21, at 7 p.m., Executive Director Jeff Johnson will host a virtual conversation via Zoom. Director of Training Julianne Larsen will join Jeff to share how we have begun training both facility dogs and skilled home companions and what these new approaches mean. She and Jeff will gladly answer questions and provide information not only on these concepts but also on other organizational news. Please register ahead of time for this virtual session. Once you do, you’ll receive the link to join the conversation on the 21st. Both closed captioning and a live ASL interpreter will be …
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