Meet Nana and Abby!
Nana and Abby are Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital’s in-residence dogs made possible through a generous grant from the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation. Nana is a 4 year old Golden Retriever, Abby is a 2 year old yellow Labrador Retriever trained specially to work with teens and young adults. Together, they provide comfort to pediatric patients with a wet nose and a wagging tail! We truly appreciate your support!
The YNHCH Dogs in Residence Program
Nana and Abby are Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital’s in-residence dogs, made possible through a generous grant from the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation. Nana is a 4 year old Golden Retriever, Abby is a 2 year old yellow Labrador Retriever trained specially to work with teens and young adults. The Dogs for Joy program provided funding for the launch and maintenance of the new dog program which included Nana’s and Abby’s adoption, training of select staff, dog food, dog grooming needs, dog toys, and more.
As in-residence dogs, Nana and Abby are considered a full-time employees and even have their own badges! They come to work every day with their handlers and offers distraction, motivation and joy to patients and families. They can help lower stress and anxiety for pediatric patients and encourage them to complete their health care goals. Both Nana and Abby can be trained to do incredible things like keep kids calm during medical interventions, teach them how to take a pill or model how to put on a hospital gown. They can even encourage our pediatric patients to get out of bed by lifting their spirits.
For children and families being cared for in the hospital, sometimes the best medicine and moments of joy can come with four paws, a wet nose, and a wagging tail!
