Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH) of Houston is saying goodbye to one of its most faithful servants. Elsa, a golden retriever, has been comforting patients for the last 6 years. After visiting 12,000 patients at TCH, Elsa and her handler will retire.
Child Life Specialist Sarah Herbek arrived at Texas Children’s Hospital in 2016. Judy and Bobby Shackouls sponsored their role with a generous donation. Elsa was the first pediatric therapy dog to bring joy to the children at the hospital. Since her arrival, TCH has established funding for five more therapy dogs in the area.
Elsa spent the last month of her service comforting cancer patients undergoing treatments that can leave them drained. Elsa would bring comfort and joy to patients who were too exhausted to sit up by snuggling on their beds. The therapy dog is part of the PAWsitive Play Program at Texas Children’s Hospital. Herbek revealed she felt pride in the happiness Elsa brought to families at their darkest times.
“Elsa just comes into their room and will hop on the bed. It immediately changes the feel of the room and makes kids feel safer, which helps them cope with whatever they’re going through in the hospital,” Sarah told KHOU.
Elsa’s departure will leave a hole in the pediatric care team to be filled by the five therapy dogs taking over her mission. Elsa is to be honored in her final working days by the patients and team in the cancer department. A gathering will be held in honor of Elsa and her handler by the leadership team at TCH.
Parents and family members have commented that they only see their child smile at TCH when Elsa arrives at their bedside. After 12,000 bedside visits, Elsa is ready to spend the rest of her life in retirement.
“I think it’s really important — these dogs give us so much of themselves — that we pay attention to them and their needs. She’s telling me she’s done. She deserves years of happy retirement,” Sarah said.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Animal-assisted therapy has significantly reduced pain, anxiety, depression, and fatigue in people suffering from various medical conditions.
