MADISON, Wis. — There’s a new, cuddly employee at American Family Children’s Hospital who’s ready to comfort kids during their treatment.
Kiko is a 2-year-old golden retriever from Georgia who just arrived at the hospital this week to work as a facility dog. She’s the first dog in the health care provider’s Canine Health ann Medical Pals program known as CHAMPs. She’s also the first facility dog in the state.
The new program pairs a facility dog with a child life specialist who will come up with customized treatments and a coping plan. For example, the dog might sit by the patient as they undergo a stressful procedure or get blood drawn.
Kiko will live with Brianna Hampton, one of UW Health’s child life specialists, and come to work with her every day.
“Kiko has a very calming presence, and most kids are already familiar with dogs so she will be a great addition to our team,” Hampton said. “Kiko is the first facility dog in the state of Wisconsin. I am honored to work with her and can’t wait to get started.”
The children’s hospital is partnering with a non-profit in Georgia called Canine Assistants which matches dogs with hospitals. The partnership will provide the hospital with two fully trained dogs to work with the child life team.
The second dog will arrive in the spring of 2022.
Kiko will begin onboarding in October and is expected to start working with patients soon.
UW Health officials said the new program is funded entirely by philanthropic donations. Each dog has an individual sponsor. The CHAMPs program also includes a partnership with the UW School of Veterinary Medicine which will handle all of the dog’s medical needs.
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