CORRYVILLE, Ohio (WKRC) – Two beloved therapy dogs, Leica and Chevy, are retiring after years of providing comfort to children at Children’s Hospital.
These golden retriever mixes have been instrumental in helping young patients navigate challenging medical experiences.
Leica, who began her service in February 2016, was the hospital’s first facility dog. Working with her handler, Kerri Birkett, a child life specialist, Leica has been a calming presence in the outpatient clinic.
“Some of these visits are pretty invasive and painful for kids. So, injections, blood draws. We have supported a lot [of patients] in our dental clinic. So, things that can be really tough for kids,” Birkett said.
Chevy joined the hospital a few months after Leica and has been a source of comfort for children staying overnight. Katie Bradford, Chevy’s handler and also a child life specialist, shared the impact Chevy has had on families.
“I’m always surprised by people who come up to me that I don’t even remember meeting, and they remember meeting me, and they remember meeting Chevy and how that was the thing that changed their child’s whole experience while being in the hospital,” Bradford said.
For some patients who may never leave the hospital, Chevy’s presence offers a unique solace.
“And the only thing they want to do is see their dog, and they can’t get their dog here, or they can’t go home to see their dog, but we can bring in Chevy, and that gives them a little bit of comfort to just feel like they’re a normal kid again,” Bradford said.
Though retiring, Leica and Chevy will continue to serve as ambassadors, participating in special events and fundraising activities to bring joy and comfort to the hospital community. If you would like to support the program, click here.
The hospital also offers a volunteer dog visitation program. Dogs must be at least one year old, have lived with their owner for at least one year, and pass a behavioral evaluation by Cincinnati Children’s to participate.
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