PALO ALTO, Calif-- The Pain Management Service at Packard Children’s Hospital has many important tools to help kids deal with the pain of illness and difficult medical procedures. Biofeedback. Acupuncture. Massage. Medication. And Carly, “the pain dog.”
 
Beautiful and scary-smart, this 4-year-old golden retriever wearing a hospital badge is taking the effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy to a brand new level. Three days a week, Carly accompanies clinical nurse specialist and pet guardian Sandy Sentivany-Collins, RN, MS, on hospital rounds, bringing hugs, tricks, and a lift in spirits to the bedside of kids receiving care through Packard’s pain management and palliative care programs. But there’s something more at work here, something beyond the usual love between children and pets. Carly’s helping with medical care.
 
“Carly’s the ultimate distraction device,” said Elliot Krane, MD, Director of the Pain Management Service at Packard Children’s, “even better than a video game.” Dr. Krane noted that distracting kids from the difficulties of the hospital experience is known to help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of wellness. “This pooch is definitely a superstar,” said Dr. Krane, “and what she brings to our kids is pure joy.”
 
Golden retrievers are intelligent and Carly is proof. She’s a bilingual listener, entertaining kids who command her to sit, lie down, roll over or stay in both English and Spanish. Now Sentivany-Collins is teaching Carly to respond to commands from Cantonese and Vietnamese-speaking kids. But what is most impressive is Carly’s sense of purpose. “We’ll take a break and go outside and have a game of catch, but as soon as we’re back in the hospital Carly immediately takes on a gentle persona that suggests a unique understanding of what healing kids is all about. She really gets it.”
 
Stories about the bond created by the 58-pound, four-legger have become legend. A double-lung transplant’s first words after having her post-surgery breathing tube removed were “I want Carly.” People visit Sentivany-Collins’ office and ask for “a Carly fix.” Then there’s the concern when Sentivany-Collins doesn’t have Carly in tow. “One day Carly didn’t show up and 17 people stopped to ask me where she was,” Sentivany-Collins said. The big mystery? Carly missed her bath that morning so she stayed home.
 
Becoming a bedside hero to sick kids is a happy twist of fate. Carly was an abused 10-month-old when she was placed with Sentivany-Collins through the NORCAL Golden Retriever Rescue. “Due to the abuse, Carly was very fearful at first, but it didn’t take long for her to warm up. For this type of therapy she’s just perfect.”
 
None of this is going to the tail-wagger’s head, of course. Returning home after a long day of bringing happiness to so many, it’s back to a dog’s life. “Carly may be a celebrity, but we don’t allow any big shot attitude at home,” said Sentivany-Collins, who noted that the only human food Carly receives is carrots. “She has to pick up her toys and put them away just like any other dog.”
 
Right. Just like any other dog.
 
About Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
Annually ranked as a ‘Best Hospital’ by U.S.News & World Report, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford is a 264-bed hospital devoted to the care of children and expectant mothers. Providing pediatric and obstetric medical and surgical services and associated with the Stanford University School of Medicine, Packard Children's offers patients locally, regionally and nationally the full range of health care programs and services - from preventive and routine care to the diagnosis and treatment of serious illness and injury. For more information, visit www.lpch.org.