Olivia the Facility Dog: Bringing Love and Healing to Children in Need at GBMC
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In this episode of "Dog is Love," hosts Chrissy and Cara speak with Sarah Perl, Medical Director of Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s Child Protection Program, about Olivia—the hospital’s first facility dog. They explore Olivia’s journey from service dog training to providing comfort for children facing trauma, the distinctions between facility, therapy, and service dogs, and the rigorous training involved. Sarah shares heartwarming stories of Olivia’s intuitive support for both children and hospital staff, highlighting the profound impact facility dogs have in medical settings. The episode also discusses fundraising efforts and offers resources for listeners interested in therapy dog programs.
Helpful Links:
1. GBMC's Paws for Protection [https://www.classy.org/event/paws-for-protection/e717266] – More information about GBMC's Child Protection Program and link for donations to further fund Olivia's care.
2. Hero Dogs [https://www.hero-dogs.org/about-hero-dogs/] – Non-profit organization that raises and trains service and facility dogs for veterans, first responders, and community organizations in the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area.
3. American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen Program [https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/] – For those who want to earn a formal “Therapy Dog” title through AKC-recognized organizations. Explains number of visits, criteria, etc.
4. Pet Partners [https://petpartners.org] – A leading national nonprofit registering therapy-animal teams (not just dogs). Their “Become a Handler” page walks through the steps: handler training, team evaluation, registration.
5. Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) [https://www.therapydogs.com] – An international registry that provides testing, certification, registration, and support/insurance for therapy-dog teams.
6. Pets on Wheels [https://www.petsonwheels.org]– Pets on Wheels brings pet therapy to people all over the state of Maryland. Regularly visiting nursing homes and hospitals to assisted living facilities, homeless and domestic violence shelters, veterans’ hospitals, libraries, schools, colleges, corporate campuses and more
7. Assistance Dogs International (ADI) [https://assistancedogsinternational.org]– Worldwide coalition of not-for-profit organizations that train and place Assistance Dogs. Helpful resource providing clarity on differences between types of assistance/therapy dogs.
