Golisano Children’s Hospital has a new facility dog

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facility dog
Lemon, the new facility dog at Golisano Children’s Hospital (CREDIT Golisano Children’s Hospital)

Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida has 4 new paws on the ground and her name is Lemon.

Dorian’s new forever friend is a 2-year-old golden retriever who came from Canine Assistants.

Lemon will work alongside her primary handler, Taylor. A child life specialist with Hematology and Oncology. And Sarah, a child life specialist with Pre-op/OR, to help with normalizing the hospital environment for patients and families.

This includes decreasing stress in times of pain and during procedures and encouraging patients to get up and move after surgeries.

Facility dog handlers have the responsibility to prioritize the well-being of the dogs so they stay happy and healthy, both physically and mentally.

As Lemon becomes more comfortable within the hospital, she will begin patient care in the Hematology/Oncology units with hopes to expand services throughout Golisano.

Her favorite things include belly rubs, playing catch, and her stuffed lamb chop.

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