Methodist Campus Welcomes Two Additional Facility Animals

Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital have seen first-hand the positive impact facility dogs, Jaime and Hazel, have had on patients in providing emotional support during challenging situations. There was a recognized need to provide even more patients and staff with visits from animals who naturally possess healing abilities and bring smiles to all they meet. In 2021, the campus excitedly welcomed two new facility animals into the Methodist family.

Meet Major

Major is a 2-year-old golden retriever specially-trained in skills that help and comfort hospital staff and patients. Nothing brings more joy than four paws, a wet nose, and a wagging tail! Major and his handler, Kirsta Deboy, Critical Care Manager for the Lung Rescue ICU, work together as partners to help adult ICU staff cope with long hours and stressful situations as well as provide comfort to patients and families. Major was gifted to Methodist Hospital from Patient Paws Service Dogs, Inc., a non-profit organization which provides facility dogs to hospitals to benefit patients, their families, and facility staff. Major is Methodist Hospital’s first full-time therapy dog designated strictly to adult care. He began his role in late September.

Meet Bambi

Bambi is a 4-year-old miniature therapy horse trained to provide emotional support in health care settings. She joined us from All-Star Farm Heavenly Acres in Bradenton, Florida where she was raised to be comfortable around hospital beds, walkers, and wheelchairs. Bambi and her handler, Alexa Farris, Manager of Emergency Services, work together as partners to provide comfort to patients and families going through difficult medical situations, procedures, and diagnoses. Bambi began her role in early November.