On today's #HumansofCSH, we'd like to introduce you to CSH Long Term Care Facility Dog, Gallop!🐶🐾
"My proudest moment was graduating from facility dog school at Canine Assistants and being placed as a facility dog at Children’s Specialized Hospital! I have shared many happy moments with kids here at my job. When kids come home from school, I like to walk up to them and say hello, and they give me ear rubs or touch my face. Sometimes, they pull my ears or poke my eyes, but I don’t mind cause they are happy, so that makes me happy. I like to steal bean bags or other items when I am in group, and the adults chase me around to get the bean bag out of my mouth. My other proudest moment was when I caught a chipmunk on my walk! My mom says she was not proud of me, but I let go of the chipmunk, and they were ok, so they ran away.
A facility dog means we work extra hard to provide support and fun to our kids, families, and staff. Since I work in long-term care, our kids live here, so it’s like having a dog at your home. I am trained to be calm in loud environments, not bark, and tolerate having belly rubs and petting. I jump in the bed to provide comfort and distraction if one of the kids is not feeling well or needs cheering up. I have been a support dog for our staff and families when they are having a rough day or want to play with me. I love making people laugh and cheering anyone up. Both my moms work on the therapy team, so I am part of their sessions, whether it is group, individual, or room visits. If you visit long-term care, you may see me lying on the floor or sleeping. It doesn’t mean that I am lazy and not doing my job. It means I am taking a break just like humans take breaks! I wuv my job here!
Outside of work, I love to chase squirrels and play with other dogs. I love to play with my co-facility dog, Maui, who works at our inpatient hospital, but sometimes she visits, and we play on the playground at work. My mom says I am the 'Chief of Squirrel Patrol' at work and home. I take my squirrel patrol job seriously to protect my family and friends. When I am not outdoors, you can find me taking a nap or playing with my favorite crinkle-squeaky toys. I love the sounds of crinkling and squeaking.
Fun Fact: I have an Instagram page with my co-dog, Maui, so you can learn more about us (@cshcompanions), and today is my 5th birthday!"
