Agnes and Baskin, two support dogs at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, have finished their first week of providing full-time joy. Even though their time at the hospital has only just started, they have already had a significant impact on the lives of their favorite patients.
The Dunkin Joy In Childhood Foundation collaborates with the Dogs For Joy campaign to bring joy to children’s hospitals. Well-trained service dogs will provide an abundance of affection to each sick child who crosses their path by being stationed in hospitals full-time.
Baskin, a Golden Retriever, and Agnes, a Goldendoodle, have spent the last week at Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital getting to know the patients and nurses. They are having a positive effect on the everyday flow of the hospital because they are specially equipped to console people in difficult medical circumstances.
Baskin and Agnes have spent the past week comforting children during medical appointments, offering companionship to worried families, and even assisting hospital personnel with stress management. Even though these devoted dogs were trained to help children, they affect anyone who comes into contact with them.
Although these adorable puppies have already started to demonstrate some of their abilities, they were trained and are ready to assist in various ways. Baskin and Agnes will show newcomers how to take their medications, explain medical procedures, and even model hospital gowns. Although the hospital atmosphere can be frightening for everyone involved, Baskin and Agnes are ready to express their love to the families.
The joy these puppies have brought to local children’s hospitals in the last week demonstrates the importance of services like Dogs For Joy. In any case, dogs will brighten a space, and families with sick children deserve that extra light.
Dogs For Joy has deployed 15 full-time pediatric support dogs in hospitals around the country with excellent results. They will undoubtedly continue to impact the lives of many more families in the future.
All photos courtesy of JoyInChildrenFoundation/FB and MUSCKids/FB
