When a patient at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) requires additional support, whether it’s preparing for surgery or managing stress during a procedure, a visit from a facility dog can significantly boost their mood and health. Dilly, one of CHOP’s two full-time facility dogs, plays this crucial role. He resides with his handler, Lizzy Olsen, who is also a child life specialist.
Facility dogs at CHOP are trained to assist children with their treatment or recovery. Unlike many service dogs that should not be disturbed while working, facility dogs welcome interaction when allowed by their handlers. Additionally, therapy dogs are brought in by volunteers through the Gerald B. Shreiber Pet Therapy Program.
Each day presents new experiences for Lizzy and Dilly as they visit patients in their rooms, motivate physical therapy patients, or facilitate therapeutic groups.
Their day begins early as Lizzy and Dilly wake up around 8 a.m., enjoy breakfast, and take a walk around their neighborhood before heading to work. By 10:30 a.m., they start their hospital rounds since most inpatients are busy with medical teams earlier in the morning.
During their rounds, they interact with patients like those undergoing dialysis or recovering from surgery. For example, one young patient invited Dilly to her upcoming Quinceañera party. At another moment during the day, two-year-old Mya received an impromptu visit from Dilly after her surgery.
The Facility Dog Program recently introduced a pilot initiative in the dialysis and apheresis wing to help patients enduring long treatment sessions. Nine-year-old Shelby is one such patient who benefits from Dilly’s presence during her treatments.
Throughout the day, Lizzy ensures Dilly takes necessary breaks and engages with other hospital staff to foster connections among coworkers.
By evening time around 7:30 p.m., Lizzy and Dilly conclude their workday and return home for dinner and relaxation.
