A Fond and Furry Farewell

Beloved facility dog retires after eight years of service

Throughout her eight years at CHKD, SaraLee motivated, comforted, and cheered patients without ever saying a word. A trained facility dog, SaraLee knows dozens of commands that enabled her to engage with patients to improve their healing under the supervision of her handler Shannon Hood, director of integrative care at CHKD. Born and raised to be a service dog, SaraLee completed extensive training through Canine Companions to learn advanced skills and commands.

SaraLee primarily worked in CHKD’s pediatric inpatient rehabilitation unit with patients who have brain and physical injuries. Children who were reluctant to get out of bed for their physical therapy quickly changed their minds when they learned that SaraLee, a golden retriever, would be walking with them. A simple game of fetch with SaraLee would often double as a therapy exercise to improve a patient’s balance and coordination. When children were too sick to leave their beds, SaraLee would gently climb up and snuggle next to them so they could pet her.

Although SaraLee was ready to officially retire in February 2024 from working full-time, she wasn’t ready to stop loving on patients altogether. In April, she officially joined CHKD’s Buddy Brigade, a special team of therapy dogs who visit children receiving treatment in the hospital.

SaraLee currently volunteers twice a month at Children’s Pavilion, CHKD’s inpatient pediatric mental health hospital. The setting has been ideal for an older dog.

“SaraLee stays in one spot and patients are brought to her,” Shannon says. “They have quality time petting her, brushing her, asking questions, and sharing stories about their pets. Sometimes, patients will play catch with SaraLee or watch her show off a couple of her 40 known commands.”

SaraLee has been a healing presence for CHKD team members as well as patients and their families. After a baby passed away during surgery at CHKD, SaraLee was brought into a debriefing session to comfort staff while the family was given privacy and time to hold their baby and say goodbye. Jessica Jones, director of perioperative services at CHKD, remembers she was about to cry during the staff debriefing when SaraLee approached her on her own and rested her head on Jessica’s lap. “It was amazing. She recognized I was hurting and needed a little support,” Jessica says.

When SaraLee’s retirement was announced on social media, numerous patient families commented on what a difference she made in their lives when their children were hospitalized at CHKD.

“SaraLee was there to comfort my husband and me with the passing of both of our babies,” writes Cassie Lynn Scrivner. “I looked forward to seeing her every day and those quiet minutes of just sitting and petting her. She was a bright spot during days where we struggled to see the joy. She is a blessing and I feel honored to have gotten to know her.”

SaraLee has taught many of her coworkers at CHKD an important lesson in how to support patient families. Sometimes words are unnecessary. The ability to listen and just be present can often mean much more.