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Some of the best medicine at Wolfson Children’s Hospital is furry with a wagging tail. Just ask Wolfson Auxiliary member, Sandi Cochran. She and her dog, Skipper, are regular volunteers who make the “rounds” visiting children throughout the hospital. Beloved by the children and their families, Skipper was certified to begin visiting patients in 2007. Sandi chose to do pet therapy at Wolfson because of the children. She "wanted to divert their attention from their problems." Amazed by all that Wolfson does for children, Sandi is full of accolades for the staff, “They are wonderful, cheerful, professional and competent.”
Skipper has over 50 bedside visits, so our staff knows that when Skipper is on duty, there will be smiles, squeals of laughter and sometimes even a therapeutic “breakthrough.” Sandi has numerous stories where Skipper was just what the doctor ordered and helped our children to take their medicine successfully, to stop crying, or to bravely endure a treatment. One time Skipper provided the incentive for an 8 year-old child in speech therapy to say her first word… “Skipa”! With every visit, Sandi’s list of “Dog Tales” grows. One of the most poignant stories that Sandi related involved a young adolescent cancer patient. He wanted to pet Skipper but was discouraged by Sandi since Skipper was shedding. The patient said, “It’s okay. I’m shedding, too.”
Unfortunately Skipper has also experienced poor health. Mitral valve heart disease almost caused Skipper’s retirement. Going from floor to floor was proving exhausting until Sandi came up with the idea for Skipper to ride in a baby stroller. Can’t you just picture the children’s delight when they peek in the stroller and discover Skipper. This mode of transportation has heightened Skipper’s popularity and yes, he is a bit of a legend!
Pet therapy does more than elicit giggles. As the children reminisce about their own pets, the visiting dogs help them feel more at home in the hospital. It is not unusual for a child who seldom smiles or talks to respond to a visiting animal, providing not only a psychological boost, but also a positive effect on his or her oxygen level. Dogs and children seem to be a natural healing combination, and the four-legged volunteers and their "people" trigger smiles and delight everywhere they go.
The Wolfson Children’s Auxiliary, along with our pets, brings so much comfort, joy and special experiences to our patients. Over 140 volunteers – both women and men – share their talents and skills, and more importantly, their time and caring to sick and injured children needing love and encouragement.
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