Brea and Boomer both started training when they were just a few weeks old. They both received nearly two years of extensive and specialized training. They received their training from Canine Companions, the organization that since 1975 has bred, raised and expertly trained dogs to assist people with disabilities or in hospital settings.

Facility dogs learn 40 commands that allow them to interact with and calm patients and staff appropriately. They can also pull toy wagons, push drawers and retrieve items. Facility dogs also receive special certification through a national standardized practical test and return for follow-up assessments on a periodic basis.

The Child Life team member who serves as a facility dog’s handler also completes a two-week, full-time training course so they can become acquainted and make sure the dog and handler are a good fit with each other.

Brea is a 100% yellow Labrador retriever, and Boomer is a Labrador golden retriever cross.

Pet therapy animals are beloved volunteers who work with their humans to bring comfort and cheer to patients and families in the hospital. They visit patients in common areas and patient rooms. Many of these friendly pups along with their owners visit the hospital several times a month.

While both programs are helpful to our patients and their families, the support Brea and Boomer can provide is more extensive due to the special training they received from the pros at Canine Companions. Both facility dogs and pet therapy volunteers help make the hospital feel more comfortable for patients, but Brea and Boomer can be present during a child’s exam, scan or procedure because they have been trained to meet the psychosocial needs of patients and aid in positive coping.

Brea and Boomer are both very busy pups and spend most of their days helping the patients who need them most. That’s why a medical provider must make a request for a facility dog visit and then work with the Child Life department to schedule the visit according to level of need and availability.

While we do our best to accommodate all medical requests, we cannot guarantee a visit. Brea currently splits her time between the infusion center, the inpatient hematology/oncology unit, the cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Boomer spends her time on the inpatient pediatric medicine unit, radiology, the Center for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia and the Emergency Center.

You can also follow along with Brea and Boomer on our Instagram account @allkidscanines.