By Julie Kerns Garmendia
Jude, the most serenely calm dog one could meet, is Wolfson Children’s Hospital’s first facility service dog. He just celebrated his third birthday and first year on staff.
The cream-colored golden retriever/Labrador mix enjoyed his “paw-ty” with pediatric patients, their families, and staff, all invited to “sit and stay” for the unique festivities. Jude showed his approval with a nonstop happy tail and lots of gentle interaction.
Jude received gifts from patients at his birthday party, including a special Woofgang Bakery doggie cupcake. Also on hand were coloring pages of Jude provided courtesy of Art with a Heart in Healthcare, a nonprofit group dedicated to bringing artists into the hospital to work on creative activities with patients, promoting whole-body healing and well-being.
Wolfie’s Woofpack
Wolfson’s new facility service dog program is called “Wolfie’s Woofpack.” It is part of the renowned pediatric hospital’s array of patient resources, which now includes Jude’s animal-assisted therapies aided by his handler/caretaker, Child Life Specialist Kara Williams. A facility service dog must complete a two-year specialized training program to work in hospitals. Medical or human services professionals learn animal-assisted therapies and are matched with a facility service dog.
Williams, 27, is often asked to explain the differences between Jude and a volunteer-owned pet dog who visits patients.
“The volunteer-run Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital Auxiliary’s Pet Therapy Program has been a wonderful comfort to our patients since 1995,” she said. “The pet therapy teams bring registered and certified pet dogs able to provide a home-like visit filled with love and affection but scheduled less frequently. Jude, however, works a full-time schedule Monday through Friday and knows more than 40 commands.”
Williams’ role as a trained child life specialist helps children understand what is happening in the hospital, which eases their fears through education, support and play.
Jude was expertly trained by Canine Companions, a national nonprofit that trains service dogs like Jude for healthcare facilities, criminal justice and educational settings. They also train service dogs to assist children, adults and veterans with disabilities.
Clients receive rigorously screened, trained dogs and follow-up services for free. Selected dogs train for two years and then work an average of eight years before retiring to spend their golden years as pets. Donations to help provide more trained dogs for those on the waiting list can be made through their website (see the Resources section below for details).
During his two-year training, Jude completed extensive medical and temperamental screenings and was required to pass several skills exams. He was matched with Williams during a two-week “team training” session in Canine Companions’ Orlando headquarters, where despite working with several dogs during the process, Williams knew Jude was perfect.
“When you go through the matching process, the Canine Companions trainers tell you that you won’t pick the dog; the dog will pick you,” Williams said. “I worked with roughly six dogs, but it was quickly clear that Jude was the one, based upon our connection when working through cues together. These dogs play such a vital role in the healing process and make a significant impact on patients. Facility dogs can turn a sometimes scary place into a safe place.”
Dogs like Jude can help frightened children or those with autism and other challenges accept necessary treatment or procedures. For instance, Jude is trained to take medicine from a syringe placed into his mouth during a medical play session to ease patients’ fear of syringes or medication.
The Children’s Hospital Association has recognized the value of facility service dogs, and the therapies they provide. Lying across the patient’s lap, for example, can alleviate anxiety or gain patient cooperation for treatment. Dogs can also serve as an alternative focus for patients undergoing painful procedures like IV placement or chest tube removal.
Jude’s encouraging support for children who have undergone surgery and are scared to move is also vital, because he can help them overcome fears and want to move.
According to UCLA Health research, the presence of an animal can trigger the body to release hormones like serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin, which can reduce stress, anxiety and fear and promote relaxation. Other studies from the National Institutes for Health reported measurable positive changes in patient vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate, including better nutritional intake.
For patients coping with more severe limitations, Jude’s comforting presence or the feeling of petting his fur and his quiet, affectionate attention bring hope and positivity during difficult circumstances. Family members confirm those findings. They say that when Jude appears, he effortlessly and instantly changes the atmosphere, cheering and delighting patients.
Williams has trained Jude to engage with patients in other companionable ways to boost their mood and self-esteem. He loves to “high five” with his nose and give paw/handshakes or “play ball” by rolling it back and forth or tossing it with his nose. Jude can gently nudge patients to pet or walk him. He can lie down in a red wagon and be pulled, and he is learning to tug and pull it himself. These playful activities encourage patients’ upper body or large muscle movement; strengthen overall coordination, balance, and motor function; and stimulate feelings of well-being.
Jude plays cards or other games, does puzzles by retrieving puzzle pieces on command, and even “paints” for or with patients. Bonus benefits include the pure enjoyment of walking or petting a dog, temporary freedom from a hospital bed, and the gaining of self-confidence and feelings of accomplishment through normal play and physical activity.
“When Jude gets his vest on and goes to work, it’s amazing to see the difference he makes in patients’ lives,” Williams said. “He is so spunky and intelligent that they light up when he enters the room. His patient interactions give them the love and specialized individual support they need. He helps me to assist patients while he does all the work.”
After Jude visits patients, Williams provides a variety of mementos to commemorate their time together. With her assistance, Jude “writes” thank you notes to patients, sending special encouragement through a message of love and gratitude. Williams gives patients stuffed “Jude” toy dogs and baseball cards featuring Jude’s photo on one side and his personal information on the other: Favorite things are tennis or other balls, belly rubs, toys that squeak and beach trips.
Readers with a domestic pet or wildlife story are welcome to email [email protected].
Resources
Follow Jude on Instagram @heyjudevii.
Canine Companions
www.canine.org
