Dogs and humans have been best friends for a long time. In fact, the phrase “Dogs are a man’s best friend” originated more than 200 years ago.
And for good reason. Dogs offer great companionship, friendship, and loyalty, which has been demonstrated by research and by the smiles of a generation of children.
The concept of animals being used as a therapeutic approach in hospitals to treat patients was introduced in the 1970s. Animals, especially canines, bring comfort to individuals during some of their most challenging moments whether in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, shelters or other facilities.
At The Mount Sinai Hospital, dogs are humanizing health care. They bring comfort, harmony, and healing to patients, along with endless smiles, high-fives, and moments of pure happiness.
The Mount Sinai Hospital recently welcomed Summer as its newest employee in the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department. The 14-month-old Labrador and golden retriever mix graduated from a training program through an organization called Canine Assistants and will serve as the hospital’s third facility dog—along with Professor and Moby—as part of the Paws & Play Program.
These beloved facility dogs offer unconditional affection and attention to faculty, staff, patients, and families. They bring a feeling of home into the hospital.
Bethany Pincus, left, and Kaleigh Bieling, are both handlers for Summer.
“Animals offer companionship and enjoyment for our patients, parents, and staff, and they create a natural therapeutic environment and bring everyone together,” says Morgan Stojanowski, MS, CCLS, Director of the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department. “Whether the facility dog is visiting a child at the bedside, comforting a young patient during a procedure, or visiting a clinical unit to help the team de-stress, there is a feeling of calm and harmony in the room. These furry friends help reduce stress for our patients, parents, and staff, they are sensitive to our moods, and bring a warm happiness all around.”
A recent study led by child life specialist Ali Spikestein, MS, CCLS, Program Manager, Child Life and Creative Arts Department and the Paws & Play Coordinator, and colleagues emphasizes the impact of a facility dog and certified child life specialist duo on children’s pain and anxiety during a procedure. The study also showed the importance of child life programs and facility dog programs in pediatric hospitals, as well as the direct relationship between positive clinical outcomes.
Like Professor and Moby, Summer has joined as a full-time employee in the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department. Summer’s work will focus on reducing experiences of pain, anxiety, and isolation while increasing social support and mastery within the medical setting. With guidance from her handlers, Summer will support the individual needs of the patients, whether that is by sitting bedside during a painful procedure, offering motivation during a rehab session, provide cuddles during times of uncertainty, or sharing in a play session with one of her favorite toys.
Summer is partnered with Bethany Pincus, Creative Arts Therapist, and Kaleigh Bieling, Certified Child Life Specialist, on P5, P4 South, and the Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU and PCICU) at Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital. Her clinical handlers prioritize patient needs and design goal-based therapeutic interventions to improve the patient’s social, emotional, and cognitive functioning while increasing overall coping and adjustment.
“The healing power of pets is incredible and, with the continued support of the Mount Sinai Health System’s leadership, we look forward to seeing the impact that the facility dogs will have easing the anxieties of our patients and families, and helping them cope in the hospital setting,” says Ms. Stojanowski. “After all, a dog is everyone’s best friend!”
Learn more about the Paws & Play program and follow the Mount Sinai Paws and Play Instagram for more updates on summer and the Paws and Play team.