The ABCs of CMN: “H” is for HUGGIE

What has four legs, is soft and furry and makes kids smile? Facility dog, HUGGIE!  Thanks to the generous support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals donors, this canine companion is a part of the UC Davis Children’s Hospital’s care team!

Funds raised established a grant to get the facility dog program going and make HUGGIE a permanent part of the pediatric patient experience in the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. This handsome boy has since been joined by other legged friends from Canine Companions for Independence who work in multiple areas of the hospital. Research has proven that those who receive regular visits from a dog experience a decrease in stress and anxiety during treatment.

Shout out to Canine Companions for Independence for providing these facility dogs free of charge. As a participant in the Canine Companions for Independence program, UC Davis Children’s Hospital did not incur any cost involved in the lengthy process of breeding, raising and training each assistance dog.

We are so grateful for CMN at UC Davis donor support to initiate programs like this. The cost of HUGGIE’s care is significant, so without your help, hundreds of children would have missed out on the opportunity for additional comfort and cuddly contact which has been gggggreat #forthekids.