Pawsitive Pals at McLane Children’s
Our certified facility dogs offer comfort and snuggles to patients in the hospital and specialty clinic.
What is Pawsitive Pals?
Meet our two furriest employees, Lorenzo and Gigi! Specially trained by Canine Companions, these two service dogs provide animal-assisted therapy to children and their families in the hospital and specialty clinic at McLane Children’s.
Lorenzo works with the Child Life team, helping kids feel more normal and less stressed while in the hospital. He can serve as a distraction to patients undergoing procedures, assist with physical and occupational therapy by playing or going for a walk with patients, or comfort patients and families dealing with a difficult diagnosis or unfortunate news.
Gigi partners with the Social Work team in the Emergency Department, comforting kids who have experienced trauma. She offers therapeutic support and a sense of safety, helping patients open up to the staff caring for them.
Both dogs are expert cuddlers and enjoy getting onto the bed with patients to provide comfort during procedures or difficult experiences.
How you can help
Your support helps us continue to offer Pawsitive Pals services at no cost to patients. Your gifts can provide:
- Food and basic care items for our furry friends
- Training and certification for handlers
- Enrichment items, such as toys and doggy costumes, to help Gigi and Lorenzo engage with patients
- Materials to promote Pawsitive Pals services
Follow Lorenzo and Gigi
See what Lorenzo and Gigi are up to at McLane Children’s on Instagram:
For more information, contact
Featured stories
Learn how donors’ gifts to the Pawsitive Pals program and Child Life make an impact for children and families in the hospital.
Welcome to the team, Gigi!
