How Facility Dogs Bring Comfort and Joy to Hospitalized Children

A Story of Friendship and Healing

Mei Kotake, a young girl battling acute lymphocytic leukemia, found solace and joy in the presence of her facility dog, Ivy. Every morning, Ivy, a Labrador retriever, would arrive at the Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, ready to bring comfort and support to the patients.

For Mei, Ivy became an irreplaceable companion. During her long hospital stay, Ivy would visit her several times a week, playing with her, snuggling up to her, and offering a sense of normalcy amidst the challenges of treatment. Ivy's presence brought laughter and joy, making the difficult days a little easier to bear.

"Whenever Ivy visited, it was like, 'Happy time has come!'" Mei said. "Because Ivy was there, I was able to do my best in the hospital."

Ivy's work extended beyond Mei. As a facility dog, she played a vital role in the hospital, bringing comfort to children undergoing painful procedures, accompanying them to the operating room, and even staying by their bedside during their final days.

"Ivy is great at being in sync with the children's emotions," said Ivy's handler, Mayuko Ohashi. "She can sense when it's not the time to play and stays very still, even though I haven't trained her to do that."

The presence of facility dogs like Ivy has a profound impact on both patients and medical staff. They provide emotional support, reduce anxiety, and create a more positive and healing environment.

Despite the high cost of training and maintaining facility dog programs, the demand for these canine companions is growing. Hospitals are recognizing the immense value they bring to the lives of patients and their families.

Mei's story is a testament to the powerful bond that can form between a child and a facility dog. Ivy's unwavering love and support helped Mei through the darkest days of her illness, reminding her of the joy and hope that life still held.

As Mei continues her journey towards recovery, she carries with her the memory of her special friend, Ivy, and the dream of one day becoming a handler herself, bringing comfort and joy to other children in need.