Meet Cora: A Therapy Dog Making a Difference at Hasbro Children's Hospital

Every day at Hasbro Children's Hospital, children and families face challenges that require incredible courage. Cora, a professionally trained therapy dog, helps make those difficult days a little brighter by providing comfort, emotional support, and moments of joy throughout the hospital.

Working alongside healthcare professionals, Cora offers calming visits that help reduce stress, encourage positive interactions, and create meaningful connections for patients of all ages.

Whether she's quietly sitting beside a child during treatment or celebrating milestones with patients and staff, Cora's gentle presence reminds everyone that healing involves both medical care and compassionate support.

Professional Therapy Dog Services at Hasbro Children's Hospital

Cora is specially trained to work in healthcare environments and demonstrates the calm temperament, excellent manners, and reliability required for hospital visits.

During her visits, Cora may help:

• Reduce anxiety before medical procedures

• Encourage children to participate in therapy and rehabilitation

• Provide emotional comfort during hospital stays

• Create positive distractions from pain and stress

• Support families during difficult moments

• Offer companionship during extended hospitalizations

• Celebrate patient achievements and milestones

• Promote emotional well-being for patients, families, and healthcare staff

Each interaction is carefully tailored to the needs of the patient while always prioritizing safety, infection control, and animal welfare.

Benefits of Therapy Dogs in Pediatric Healthcare

Research continues to demonstrate the positive impact that therapy dogs can have in pediatric healthcare settings.

Children who interact with therapy dogs often experience:

• Reduced fear and anxiety

• Lower stress levels

• Increased motivation during therapy

• Improved mood

• Greater willingness to participate in medical care

• Enhanced social interaction

• Positive emotional experiences during hospitalization

For families, therapy dog visits provide welcome moments of normalcy, comfort, and hope during challenging times.

Specially Trained for Hospital Visits

Cora has completed extensive training and evaluation to ensure she can confidently work in busy medical environments.

Her training includes:

• Calm behavior around medical equipment

• Comfortable interactions with wheelchairs, walkers, and mobility devices

• Excellent manners around children of all ages

• Reliable obedience under distraction

• Safe interactions with patients and healthcare professionals

• Gentle greeting skills

• Strong handler communication

• Stress recognition and recovery skills

Every visit follows hospital policies designed to protect patients, staff, and Cora.

Supporting Children Through Every Stage of Care

Hospital visits can be overwhelming for children, whether they are receiving treatment, recovering from surgery, or attending regular appointments.

Cora helps by creating positive experiences that encourage children to:

• Smile and laugh

• Build confidence

• Relax during difficult moments

• Engage with medical staff

• Focus on something enjoyable

• Feel more comfortable in the hospital environment

Sometimes the greatest gift a therapy dog provides is simply being present.

Animal-Assisted Therapy in Rhode Island

Professional therapy dogs play an increasingly important role in healthcare settings throughout Rhode Island.

Cora represents the highest standards of professional animal-assisted services by working collaboratively with healthcare teams while always placing patient safety and animal welfare first.

Her visits demonstrate how the human-animal bond can positively impact emotional wellness and support pediatric healthcare.

About Cora

Cora is more than a therapy dog—she is a comforting companion, a source of encouragement, and a familiar friendly face for children navigating difficult medical experiences.

Every wag of her tail, every gentle greeting, and every quiet moment beside a patient helps remind children that they are never alone.

Her work reflects the power of compassion, connection, and the healing bond between people and animals.