Puppy Love: How Facility Dogs Are Transforming Care

The Paws That Make a Difference

Sometimes, healthcare heroes don’t wear scrubs or have medical degrees. But they know exactly how to heal a hurting heart. Meet Frito and Sansa, our furry, four-legged facility dogs who are redefining care at Children’s Nebraska. Thanks to the generous support of donors, these lovable dogs play an essential role in the Child Life Program, helping children navigate the hospital experience with comfort and companionship during a time of potential uncertainty.

Golden Retriever Frito joined the program in 2021 and works alongside Child Life specialist Kylie Keller. She’s joined by her canine counterpart, Sansa, a cream-colored Goldendoodle who has worked with Child Life specialist Debbie Snyder since 2018. Together, they provide a unique service to children at the hospital through emotional support, engagement and distraction.

Frito, “Director of Pawsitivity,” and Sansa, “Director of Wags and Wellness,” take their jobs seriously and underwent extensive training to earn their roles. "For two years, they trained at Canine Assistants in Alpharetta, Georgia, in a unique program that focuses on bond-based instruction rather than traditional methods. There, they learned how to interpret patients' needs and assess environments to provide the best possible support.

A Day-in-the-Life of a Facility Dog

As dedicated employees, Frito and Sansa work 40 hours a week — and no two days are the same.

Frito starts her day with a morning assessment alongside the inpatient team to review her consults. While every patient would love to see Frito, it’s just not possible. Instead, she relies on consults which are requests from physicians and nurses to help patients who could use extra support. Frito and Kylie work throughout the hospital, including the medical-surgical, pediatric intensive care and cardiac units.

“Even though her days are different, Frito knows exactly how to read a room,” Kylie says. “She walks in, stares at the patient for a moment, and even smiles to start making a connection. Then, she’s ready to get to work.”

You might find Frito in a procedure room providing a comforting distraction for patients during an unfamiliar or painful experience, or by a child’s side as they receive a new medical diagnosis. She is also present during rehabilitation sessions to support patients through major milestones, such as taking their first steps after surgery. However, Frito’s favorite task is helping patients take medicine. She turns it into a playful activity, making it less intimidating and more engaging for children.

Meanwhile, Sansa and Debbie mainly work with children with cancer and blood disorders. Sansa’s day is often packed with back-to-back procedures, from IV and port access to infusions and CT scans. Whatever the situation, when Sansa walks into a room, she’s ready to snuggle. It’s her special way of comforting patients before their procedure and helping them relax afterward.

But it’s not all work and no play. As soon as Frito and Sansa get home and their work vests come off, they know they’re off the clock. Almost immediately, they get a case of the “zoomies,” racing around outside and joyfully rolling in the grass.

Of course, each dog also has her favorite toys and treats. Frito loves her red ball and enjoys frozen treats, while Sansa prefers her soft, squeaky toys and peanut butter treats.

“Both dogs are extremely well-behaved and calm in the hospital, but it’s just so fun to see them get to be normal dogs outside work,” Kylie says.

Long-Lasting Comfort

While other Child Life specialists use toys and other comfort items to help children through difficult medical experiences, the facility dog handlers have the unique advantage of working with Frito and Sansa. Kylie discusses the dogs’ unmatched ability to light up a room.

“As soon as patients see Frito or Sansa, there’s this immediate spark of excitement that makes the fear and anxiety disappear,” Kylie says. “For some children and families, seeing the dogs brings a sense of normalcy during a stressful time in their life.”

Many patients never forget the bond they made with the dogs, and they look forward to seeing their furry friends whenever they’re at the hospital.

“We hear patients say, ‘I remember Frito! She was my comfort during my medical procedure,’” Kylie says. “For regular hospital patients, the dogs are what help them come back.”

It’s this connection that sets Children’s Nebraska apart. While Frito and Sansa help with patient care, they also transform how children perceive the hospital — turning it from a place of fear to one of comfort and even joy.

Because Frito and Sansa can’t always be there, the Child Life specialists developed a few creative ways to continue the dogs’ support. Children can collect trading cards with pictures and facts about each dog — a small piece of Frito and Sansa to carry wherever they go. They can also receive a special stuffed animal designed to resemble a mix of both pups, with Sansa’s curly hair and Frito’s coloring. It’s another way for children to snuggle and feel the dogs’ love when they need it most.

Holistic Healing That Makes a Difference

Hospital visits can be scary, unknown experiences for children. Our Child Life specialists know that while young patients receive treatment for their conditions, they need emotional care, too. Frito and Sansa are more than just therapy dogs — they’re sources of comfort, stress relief and friendship. And when children feel at ease, they can focus on what matters most: being kids.