FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – Patients at Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo are now able to receive assistance in the form of man’s best friend.
Fox, a one-year-old golden retriever, is the region’s first-ever facility dog. Sanford Health says a facility dog is different than a therapy dog because it works in a health care setting to provide comfort and is educated to assist with patient care, whereas a therapy dog is a personal pet that has been certified to visit the hospital and provide comfort and joy to patients and families.
“This facility dog will be an important member of our Sanford Children’s care team,” said Katy Easter, Sanford Health lead child life specialist. “It’s no secret that dogs provide a level of compassion and care to humans like no other, and it is so important for us to help our patients and their families in times of pain and stress. Unlike other therapy animals, facility dogs and their handlers are able to be in a patient’s room during medical procedures to comfort children and families and help patients achieve various clinical goals through pain management, procedural support, outcome-driven play, sibling and family support.”
The facility dog was made possible through a $200,000 lead gift from NutriSource Pet Foods, a KLN Family Brands company. The gift, made through the Sanford Health Foundation, establishes the NutriSource Facility Dog Program at Sanford Children’s, which in addition to being the first of its kind in the Fargo region, is also the inaugural program in the entire Sanford footprint that uses animal assisted therapy (AAT) to provide care, promote healing and improve the emotional well-being of pediatric patients.
The NutriSource Facility Dog Program at Sanford Children’s will be fueled 100% by philanthropy, meaning families will never receive a bill for this important service.
“Philanthropy fuels everything we do at Sanford Children’s — from advancing lifesaving equipment and technology, to supporting meaningful programs and services that touch the lives of patients and families when it matters most,” said Amy Hinkemeyer, Sanford Health Fargo Foundation vice president. “Thanks to this extraordinary gift from NutriSource Pet Foods, we’ll now be able to bring even more hope, healing and comfort to those we serve. We are so very grateful.”
Some of the abilities of a facility dog include:
- Demonstrate medication administration
- Motivate patients to move after surgery
- Help with pain management
- Comfort patients and loved ones who are facing chronic or life-changing illnesses
- Help patients deal with stress and anxiety
Prior to arriving in Fargo, the facility dog completed an extensive educational program led by Canine Assistants, a Georgia-based nonprofit dedicated to educating and placing service dogs with individuals and in health care settings.
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