Canine Companions and Facility Dogs in Healthcare (HLOL #268)

Eli Gerard has worked with Canine Companions for nearly a decade, including five years as a trainer. He now serves as the Program Field Representative for the Northeast Region. Eli assists with all aspects of the program including puppy raising support, placement of dogs released from the program, and direct work with clients. He brings to this his experience working in special education and enjoyment of many outdoor activities.

Jennifer Johnson has worked as a Child Life Specialist at Sutter Health in California for over 30 years. Most of that time, she specialized in pediatric oncology, supporting children and families as they navigate the significant stress and challenges of cancer treatment. In 2004, Jennifer became a Canine Companions graduate with her first facility dog, Millie. Together, they were pioneers in integrating facility dogs into the pediatric units at Sutter Health. Jennifer has worked with several dogs since, including her newest one, Bill. There are now 16 facility dog graduate teams across the Sutter Health system. As Jennifer shares, the positive impact of these dogs is truly powerful medicine.

Eli Gerard and Jennifer Johnson talk with Helen Osborne about:

• Canine Companions. A non-profit organization that provides trained service dogs and ongoing support to people with disabilities free of charge.
• Service dogs. Breeds of dogs, their training, and acquired skills.
• Facility dogs. How they help in inpatient and outpatient pediatric care.
• Ways for listeners to get involved through volunteering or perhaps even using facility dogs in their settings.

More ways to learn:

• Canine Companions
• Sutter Health Animal-Assisted Therapy

Videos:

• Making an Impact with Canine Companions
• Canine Companions Facility Dogs at Sutter Health
• How to Approach a Service Dog in Public

Social Media:

• @canineorg
• @SutterFacilityDogs

Health Literacy from A to Z: Practical Ways to Communicate Your Health Message, Third Edition, by Helen Osborne. The chapter “Community Connections” is especially relevant to this podcast episode.

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