August 19, 2024 – – Memorial Healthcare System and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital held their first ever Facility Dog Olympics.
The event was held at Hollywood-based Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, and brought together patients, families, and team members to support the facility dogs as they competed in a series of Olympic-inspired events. These included Fast and Fur-ious Race (Track & Field), Paw-some Home Handler Agility Challenge and Tug of War.
The judging panel, comprised of patients and Memorial team members, including Dr. Aharon Sareli, Chief Medical Officer of Memorial Healthcare System, awarded the gold medal to Golden ‘Goldie’ Delicious, the newest member of the Memorial Animal Assisted Therapy Program.
The facility dogs play a crucial role in the hospitals they serve. Each of Memorial Healthcare System’s six facility dogs underwent extensive training prior to assuming their responsibilities. Carmen Cowart, child life specialist and facility dog handler at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital spoke about how the event showcased the specialized training of the facility dogs, saying, “These dogs went to training from birth until two, learning up to 80 commands to help patients in the hospital setting. We are going to be using those commands and applying it to the obstacle course, providing fun challenges for patients and families to watch them do.”
When asked about the impact events like the facility dog Olympics have on patients, Carmen said, “Our patients and families love coming here and seeing the dogs, it’s such a comfort for them when they are away from home but it’s also just a fun event for them to get out of their rooms and see all the awesome things that our dogs do.” The facility dogs play an important role in patient care helping rehab patients and providing support to all they encounter. Carmen said, “They provide normalization and comfort for patients while they are here.”
About Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children. The level one pediatric trauma center combines advanced technology, the expertise of some of the region’s most diverse, board-certified specialists, and a patient and family-centered focus to heal the body, mind, and spirit. Part of Memorial Healthcare System, the pediatric hospital in Hollywood, Florida, recently doubled in size, adding four floors, including a comprehensive cardiac care floor, an intraoperative MRI, an inpatient rehabilitation gym, family and staff support areas, and the 14th Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone, among other offerings. To learn more, visit jdch.com and connect with @jdchospital on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
