As part of the Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation's Dogs for Joy program aimed at increasing the number of full-time service dogs in children's hospitals nationwide, the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital and the Pearl Tourville Women's Pavilion will welcome Baskin, a one-year-old golden retriever and Agnes, a two-year-old golden doodle at a celebration on September 23rd at 10:30 am.
With the new addition of Baskin and Agnes (right), the Children's Hospital is welcoming highly specialized dogs that will help ease anxiety and reduce stress for young patients and their families. The dogs are trained to do tasks like keep kids calm during medical procedures, teach kids how to take a pill, or model how to put on a hospital gown. The dogs' calming presence not only aids with patients but will also provide support to family members.
“We are thrilled to welcome Baskin and Agnes to our hospital community and to be able to offer animal-assisted therapy to our pediatric patients,” Mark A. Scheurer, M.D., Chief, Children's and Women's Services., said. “Baskin and Agnes will be integrated into a child's treatment plan and it will ease the stress when a young patient needs medical procedures by providing a calming and friendly presence.”
To learn more about the Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation and its Dogs for Joy program, visit www.bringjoy.org and follow on Facebook or Instagram.
