UC Davis Children’s Hospital welcomes new facility dog Jerome

UC Davis Children’s Hospital has a “pawsome” new addition on the Tower 6 acute care pediatrics unit and Tower 4 adolescent unit: facility dog Jerome. With soulful brown eyes and a knack for making kids smile, Jerome is already winning hearts throughout the hospital.

Jerome was provided at no cost by Canine Companions, a national nonprofit. The organization expertly trains service dogs for adults, children and veterans with disabilities, as well as professionals working in medical, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other settings.

Jerome joins four other Canine Companions facility dogs at the medical center: Huggie, Paloma, ZeeBee and Daniels. All are members of UC Davis Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department. Jerome is the first new facility dog to join the children’s hospital in five years.

“Jerome is very loving, spunky and loyal,” said Sarah von Glasenapp, a child life specialist and Jerome’s handler. “Wherever he goes, people immediately smile. In a hospital setting, seeing a dog walk down the hallway brings so much joy.”

Von Glasenapp and Jerome completed the Canine Companions team training this spring. The two-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever knows more than 40 commands. His extensive training enables him to calm and motivate pediatric patients who face big challenges during hospitalization.

On Tower 6 and Tower 4, Jerome will work with children and adolescents recovering from orthopaedic surgeries, sickle cell pain crises, gastrointestinal conditions, traumatic brain injuries and other complex medical needs. He can also visit other units as needed.

Facility dogs are good medicine

Facility dogs are specially trained to support pediatric patients by reducing stress, anxiety and pain while helping to make the hospital experience feel a little more normal and comfortable.

Hospitalized children often face painful procedures, long recoveries and emotional challenges. Jerome can help patients manage anxiety before, during and after procedures. He can provide comfort during difficult moments and encourage participation in therapy activities.

“A lot of times, children reach challenging points during their hospitalization,” von Glasenapp said. “Jerome can give patients something positive to look forward to.”

Jerome will partner with physical and occupational therapists to help decrease anxiety, help children deal with pain management and increase mobility for patients recovering from surgeries, injuries and other serious medical conditions. Simple activities like tossing a ball or walking with Jerome help patients stay active, build strength and work toward recovery goals.

For some patients, Jerome’s calming presence can be therapeutic on its own. Jerome can lie next to a patient in their hospital bed and use deep-pressure therapy to provide emotional regulation. The effect is similar to a weighted blanket during difficult hospital stays.

Von Glasenapp is excited about the impact Jerome will have on patients for years to come.

“He’s already helping children and families, and we’re just getting started,” she said. “We’re thrilled to welcome Jerome to the team and are grateful to Canine Companions and our gracious donors for making this possible.”