The Canines for Coping facility dog program helps patients and families cope with their hospital experience. Our dogs are trained from birth to work in the hospital and are fully prepared for all they will encounter during their daily work.
Meet Asteroid and Orbit!
Sister-brother dynamic duo Asteroid and Orbit are Golden Retrievers that make up Huntsville Hospital Foundation’s Canines for Coping program. Both dogs are full-time employees – complete with an employee badge and business card! They work in the hospital with their handlers 40 hours per week, with time allowed for downtime, naps and walks. Because they are professionally trained service dogs, Asteroid and Orbit are able to provide services based on medical goals, can be present during procedures and can assist with bereavement.
Asteroid and Orbit's handlers are Certified Child Life Specialists whose roles are to support children with procedures, help them understand their diagnosis and treatment plan, and process through traumatic experiences with proven evidence-based results.
Improved psychosocial functioning and mood
Increased healing, relaxation and self-confidence
Decreased anxiety and perception of pain
Reduced blood pressure and heart rate
Canines for Coping is 100% donor funded!
Canines for Coping is funded by the Foundation's Lifesaver Club hospital employee giving club, a generous grant from PetSmart Charities and donations from other generous community partners.
Our facility dogs and their handlers work with the multidisciplinary team to meet medical goals and provide therapeutic interventions to promote positive coping.
Pediatric Radiology
Pediatric Surgery
Outpatient Pediatric Therapy
Antepartum
General Pediatrics
St. Jude Affiliate Clinic
Pediatric Emergency Department
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
“I love helping patients when they're feeling unsure or afraid. I get to show them how things work here at the hospital so they aren't afraid any more.”