Healthy Living: Full-time Facility Dog joins USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Patients and caregivers at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of a new team member — one that happens to have a shiny black coat, a wagging tail and a special talent for bringing comfort during some of life’s most challenging moments.

After sending out clues about the new staff member’s name last week, Rainier, the hospital’s first full-time facility dog, officially reported for duty on Monday, June 15. While her cuteness may be disarming, this pooch is a specially trained clinical canine that will work alongside clinical staff to support pediatric patients and their families throughout the hospital.

Unlike volunteers with Paws of Love, which can only visit for a few hours a week for socialization, facility dogs are integrated into daily hospital clinical operations and trained to assist healthcare teams in a variety of settings, including inpatient and outpatient units.

Click here for learn more about Rainy.