At Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital, healing isn’t just about medicine. It’s about heart. And sometimes, the most powerful medicine doesn’t come in a syringe. It comes in the form of a furry friend with a wagging tail and a whole lot of love to give.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our Sacred Heart Foundation donors, Change Makers and the support of grants like Impact 100, which funded our very first facility dog, the Sacred Paws Facility Dog Program is still growing and thriving. What began with just a few paws has become a beloved team of five highly trained facility dogs, with one more pup just joining the pack.
Each of our dogs is carefully matched with a clinically trained healthcare associate. Together, they work as a team to help patients manage the stress, anxiety, and fear that can come with a hospital stay. With specialized training from Canine Assistants in Atlanta, these dogs provide much more than comfort. They are an essential part of patient care.
In the children’s hospital, you’ll find regulars like Tully, Klio, Sherlock, and Swirl offering courage to our young patients before procedures, distraction during treatment, and smiles all day long. Recently, we welcomed Luisa, who now brings her gentle presence to patients in the ADULT oncology unit and ICU.
Soon, thanks to the generosity of our Change Makers Junior Board at Sacred Heart Foundation, we have added another furry friend named Birdie. She will serve in the children’s operating room, helping soothe patients and their families during some of the most stressful moments before surgery.
“Having a facility dog for the pediatric OR is a huge asset to our Children’s Hospital,” says Blakely Richardson of the Change Makers. “Animals bring humans so much comfort, love, and support, so having Birdie present roaming the halls and in the O.R. will be so uplifting to our littlest patients.”
The Change Makers, a group of driven young philanthropists, chose to fully fund Birdie and her future care. Their decision will impact hundreds of children and families for years to come.
“This group of young leaders has not only shown us what’s possible in just one year. They’ve made a lasting impact on the lives of our patients and families,” said Jane Lauter, Development Coordinator of the Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation. “They are truly living up to their name Change Makers.”
Whether it is greeting a nervous child before a scan, curling up next to a patient recovering from surgery, or simply walking through the halls offering high-fives and tail wags, the Sacred Paws team transforms the hospital experience for everyone. They remind us that healing comes in many forms, and sometimes, the most powerful therapy walks on four legs.
Their presence has forever changed our hallways, filling them with smiles, comfort, and hope. We are deeply grateful to our donors, the expert trainers at Canine Assistants, and the incredible handlers who help make these moments possible every day.
At Sacred Heart, we believe in treating the whole patient. And sometimes, that begins with love, loyalty, and a lick on the cheek.