The right dog for the job

October 15, 2017
Child life specialist and service dog

Known for his calm temperament and love of children, assistance dog Wrangler has joined the staff of Providence St. Vincent Medical Center's Children's Emergency Room. He works with child life specialist Teddie Garland, seen here, to soothe frightened and upset children. The hospital says Wrangler has trained for his health care career from the tender age of 7 weeks.

"Wrangler surprises me every single day in some way," Garland says, adding the canine has a special gift for reading children's emotions and responding in a way that eases their anxiety.

The hospital's first full-time facility dog, Wrangler is a gift from Assistance Dogs of Hawaii. A donor contributes to his support. He joins the team as St. Vincent completes a service expansion in its pediatric emergency room.

 

 

Copyright © 2017 by the Catholic Health Association of the United States
For reprint permission, contact Betty Crosby or call (314) 253-3490.

Copyright © 2017 by the Catholic Health Association of the United States

For reprint permission, contact Betty Crosby or call (314) 253-3490.