Meet Hector, a 2-year-old golden Labrador retriever and the newest member of the child life team at INTEGRIS Health Children’s at Baptist Medical Center.
Meet Hector, a 2-year-old golden Labrador retriever and the newest member of the child life team at INTEGRIS Health Children’s at Baptist Medical Center. Unlike traditional therapy dogs that visit hospitals periodically, Hector is a specially trained facility dog who works alongside child life specialists as part of the hospital’s care team.
From providing comfort during medical procedures to helping children cope with anxiety and unfamiliar surroundings, Hector helps make hospital stays a little less intimidating for young patients.
"Hector has already brought so much joy to our child life department. Being able to incorporate him into medical preparation, procedural support and therapeutic interventions has created even more opportunities to promote positive coping in our patients and families," says Lillian.
"He allows us to approach these experiences in unique and meaningful ways, helping children feel more comfortable, confident and supported throughout their hospital journey. I look forward to seeing the continued impact Hector will make in the lives of our patients and families."
The initiative began in 2021 with a vision to expand the hospital’s child life services through a dedicated facility dog program. With support from the INTEGRIS Health Foundation, generous donors and Canine Companions, that vision has now become a reality.
Canine Companions, a nonprofit organization that trains highly skilled service dogs, provided Hector with specialized training to prepare him to work alongside healthcare professionals in a hospital environment.
