Every day, children and families facing serious medical challenges at Hasbro Children's Hospital find comfort in an extraordinary member of the healthcare team—Nemo, a professionally trained facility dog serving with the Children's Integrative Therapies, Pain Management, and Supportive Care (ChIPS) program.

Working alongside physicians, nurses, child life specialists, therapists, and supportive care professionals, Nemo helps create a more positive, compassionate healthcare experience for pediatric patients and their families. His calm demeanor, intuitive nature, and unwavering companionship make him an invaluable part of the multidisciplinary care team.

What Is a Facility Dog?

A facility dog is much more than a visiting therapy dog.

Facility dogs receive extensive professional training and work full-time within healthcare settings under the guidance of trained medical professionals. Their role is to support patients during medical care, reduce stress and anxiety, encourage participation in treatment, and provide emotional comfort throughout hospitalization.

Unlike volunteer therapy dogs that make scheduled visits, facility dogs like Nemo are integrated into daily patient care and are available to support multiple clinical services.

Supporting Multiple CHIPS Services

As a member of the Children's Integrative Therapies, Pain Management, and Supportive Care (ChIPS) team, Nemo assists children and families receiving care through a variety of specialized pediatric programs.

His work may include supporting patients experiencing:

• Acute and chronic pain

• Serious or life-limiting illnesses

• Palliative and supportive care

• Medical procedures

• Anxiety related to hospitalization

• Emotional stress during treatment

• Difficult healthcare conversations

• Family-centered care

Every interaction is carefully guided by healthcare professionals to meet each child's unique emotional and medical needs.

Comforting Children and Families

One of Nemo's greatest gifts is his ability to bring calm during moments of uncertainty.

Whether quietly lying beside a child during treatment, offering gentle companionship to anxious patients, or simply providing a comforting presence for parents and caregivers, Nemo helps transform the hospital experience into one filled with warmth, trust, and hope.

His presence often helps children:

• Feel safer during medical procedures

• Reduce fear and anxiety

• Relax before treatments

• Build trust with healthcare providers

• Engage more comfortably during therapy

• Find moments of joy during hospitalization

For families, Nemo provides emotional support that can make even the most difficult days feel a little easier.

The Healing Power of the Human-Animal Bond

The connection between children and dogs is powerful.

Research has shown that interactions with professionally trained facility dogs can help:

• Lower stress and anxiety

• Encourage positive coping skills

• Improve communication

• Increase patient participation

• Reduce the perception of pain

• Promote relaxation

• Support emotional well-being

• Create positive healthcare experiences

For many pediatric patients, Nemo becomes a trusted friend whose comforting presence helps them navigate unfamiliar and sometimes frightening medical experiences.

Courteous Canine Celebrates Working Dogs Like Nemo

At Courteous Canine, we proudly recognize the remarkable work performed by professionally trained facility dogs serving hospitals, schools, rehabilitation programs, and healthcare organizations throughout Rhode Island and beyond.

Facility dogs like Nemo demonstrate how expertly trained dogs can improve emotional well-being, reduce stress, and support better healthcare experiences for children and families.

Their work represents the highest standards of canine training, compassion, and service.