12 wonders small
®
our programs
report to our donors
Furry friends bring
hugs to our kids.
It’s hard to say how many smiles Casper brings to patients on
look beyond traditional practices and allow
an average day. On his way to appointments with patients at
joy on four paws to make their young
our Scottish Rite hospital, he gets ear rubs and back scratches
patients smile.”
from countless children, parents and even staff members. Each responds with joy at the sight of a fluffy Golden Retriever roaming the halls.
lifetime cost of caring for one of their dogs is well over $20,000. Our donors have generously supported
But the moment Casper enters a patient’s room, all of his attention is on that child. He hops into bed with patients who need a snuggle and is able to gently maneuver around the wires and tubes next to them.
this program so patients at Children’s could benefit. “We’re very lucky,” Kinsel said. “What these dogs bring to a patient isn’t just something you can put on an insurance form; it’s beyond that. It’s bringing a bit of
Casper is one of four full-time therapy dogs at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Each of the dogs—including Bella, Button and the newest employee, Izzy—sports a vest and employee badge indicating that they are trained to work in a medical setting. While Casper works at Scottish Rite and Izzy works at Kara Klein and Bella, Claire Aikens and Button, Vandie Enloe and Izzy, and Lisa Kinsel and Casper
According to the non-profit organization, the
Egleston, Bella is stationed at
the Stephanie V. Blank Center for Safe and Healthy Children.
home to them.” To Kinsel, the benefits are obvious. She cites studies showing that interacting with pets can lower blood pressure, improve oxygen levels and calm patients. But her evidence is more personal. Kinsel said that when she accompanies Casper to the hospital, she’s “on the front lines” and gets to see kids light up around him. Kinsel witnessed a patient find new strength once Casper was by her side after a painful abdominal surgery. The little girl couldn’t go home until she was able to walk, but she wouldn’t get out of bed. When offered the chance to take Casper on a trip down the hall, she took it. Walking with her furry companion meant she was able to go home on Christmas Eve.
Button, a member of the Family Services Department, is the
“They’re huge motivators,” Kinsel said of the dogs.
“camp dog,” visiting our programs and past campers who
“You think it’s so little, but it’s not. The families
come to our hospitals.
remember every moment of it.”
According to Volunteer Services Manager Lisa Kinsel, Casper’s
She foresees the program expanding as more
“mom” and handler, it wasn’t until a volunteer suggested
staff handlers are identified—full-time Children’s
partnering with Georgia-based Canine Assistants that a plan
employees who take on the responsibility of caring
was put in motion to bring their special dogs to Children’s.
for the dogs so they can serve our patients.
Canine Assistants trains dogs to help both children and adults with disabilities and other special needs. Jennifer Arnold, the
The program has support across Children’s, but it’s the donors who make it possible.
founder and executive director of Canine Assistants, values the
“We’re grateful. Children’s has so many
connection with Children’s. “Joy, especially in places where
needs,” Kinsel said. “We’re so fortunate
pain exists, is amazing,” she said. “It is our privilege to
to have donors who recognize what this
partner with Children’s, an organization caring enough to
program can do.”
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