Canine Kindness
Simon Blanchard is like other kids being treated in the Pediatric Unit at Memorial Children’s Hospital. He’d rather be at home, but he’s there in order to receive ongoing chemotherapy and to be closely followed by the medical team. The precocious 6-year-old was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in November 2012, but following five months of chemotherapy treatment at Memorial Children’s Hospital, he is now in remission.
Every 10 days his parents or grandmother drive him from Wakarusa to Memorial where he undergoes treatments for several hours. That amount of time in the hospital feels like forever to a kid, so the staff do what they can to make his visit enjoyable.
On a Tuesday afternoon, Simon, sitting in his hospital bed waiting to be seen by the pediatric oncologist, lights up at the sight of Roxie. Roxie is a four-year-old English springer spaniel who triggers smiles among patients and families who encounter her in the hallways of Memorial Children’s Hospital. The friendly canine is part of Memorial’s pet therapy program. Roxie jumps on Simon’s bed and plops down beside him, just waiting to be petted. The kindergartener develops an instant affection for the lovable canine. “Doggie. Doggie,” says Simon, as he runs his left hand over Roxie’s furry head.
Simon’s grandma, Treva Schrock, enjoys the sight of her grandson making a new friend in Roxie. She loves the fact that sick kids at Memorial get an opportunity to be visited by such a well-trained and loving dog. “I think it’s awesome,” she says. “There’s something about animals that are good for people.”
To ensure the highest level of safety for patients and their families, all pet therapy dogs at Memorial have received obedience and temperament training. Clara Costello has experienced firsthand the way Roxie inspires joy. As Roxie’s owner, she has been involved with pet therapy at Memorial for the last six years. “I enjoy seeing the happy faces on the kids and seeing them laugh when I bring in Roxie,” says Costello.
One of the Child Life Specialists escorts Clara and Roxie through the hallways, stopping by pediatric patients’ rooms to ask if kids would like to see the dog. One room after another, Roxie trots inside and makes new friends.
Pediatric Hospitalist Jason Nichols, M.D., sees up close what a difference pet therapy can make in the life of a sick child. “Pet therapy,” he says, “creates a relaxing and fun experience for our patients, which helps promote their healing.
