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Cohen Children’s Medical Center welcomes first facility dog
Dutton's presence is possible thanks to a grant from the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation
Cohen Children’s Medical Center held a special party on Oct. 29 to welcome one of its newest employees: Dutton, a facility dog sponsored by a generous donation from the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, a long-time supporter of the hospital. They were also joined by New York Mets pitcher Edwin Diaz, who came to meet patients at the hospital and say hello to Dutton.
Dutton is half-golden retriever, half-yellow labrador who works with patients in the hospital. He is a full-time employee of Cohen Children’s Medical Center, working and living with a trained clinical handler. At 17-months-old, he is also Northwell’s youngest employee. He started just a few weeks ago, but has already made a big impact on the patients and staff.
“Dutton is a special gift,” said Carolyn Quinn, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, president of Cohen Children’s Medical Center. “There is joy and safety in a pet that helps not just our families, and definitely our children, but even team members are enjoying him as well.”
Dutton’s full-time work at the hospital makes him different from therapy dogs, which are usually volunteer animals that come into a hospital a few hours a week. Dutton works a full 40 hours a week, then goes home with his handler.
He helps comfort patients when they’re having procedures done, getting blood drawn or moving around the hospital. He also provides emotional support to patients, their families and even the staff. Since he started five weeks ago, he has already interacted with more than 400 patients and their families.
Children heal through song: "We Are Number One"
This song was written and performed by patients at Cohen Children's Medical Center. With the help of Child Life specialists and Creative Arts therapists, the song was created as a therapeutic activity demonstrating the strong bond between children, therapists, and the healing music they create.
“Here at Cohen Children’s Medical Center, our commitment to provide the highest-quality care for the children we serve defines us,” said Cindy Rodriguez, director of the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Program at the hospital. “As our first certified facility dog in our Tails of Support program, Dutton’s important job is to support children by offering comfort and relaxation, easing fear, bringing a sense of familiarity and being a distraction for patients in a busy hospital environment.”
The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation has been working with Cohen Children’s Medical Center since 2014, and has donated more than $400,000 to the hospital to support various programs and events. The latest grant will fund Dutton at the hospital for three years.
“As a Dunkin’ franchisee, I’m incredibly proud to support the impactful work of the Joy in Childhood Foundation,” said Nick Ahluwalia, a Dunkin’ franchisee who owns stores across the New York metro area. “Dutton is an amazing addition to the hospital, and he will be here full-time to support children and their families. His presence will undoubtedly bring comfort and joy during challenging times.”
Also at the event to celebrate with the patients was New York Mets pitch Edwin Diaz. “I just want to have some fun with the kids today,” he said.
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