Meet Rose: Facility Dog and Best Friend

You meet a lot of different people when you stay in the hospital. A pediatric care team is made up of doctors, nurses, social workers, and more. Patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital might also get to meet me.

My name is Rose. I am a facility dog. This means I am specially trained to work in hospitals. I am 1 of 4 dogs in the Paws at Play Facility Dog Program at St. Jude.

My job is to help patients and families process their emotions. I love everyone I meet, but the teen patients are some of my favorite people.

Mornings are for school

Like many other dogs, I love treats, get zoomies, and have lots of toys. Unlike a lot of other dogs, I also have a job. Monday through Friday, I get up early for breakfast, get dressed in my pack (like a vest) and bandana, and then head to work.

Until noon, I spend time with teens in the hospital’s school program. My job here is to help teens study.

School can be hard, especially when teens are dealing with big feelings, big changes, and big distractions. Some patients say it is easier to tackle math problems or write essays when I am hanging out with them.

One of my friends likes to take little “brain breaks” with me. He will pet me for a minute, do a few math problems, and then pet me again. We are study buddies.

Afternoons are for feelings

When it is time for lunch, I head to the dog park with my facility dog friends. There, we play with toys, get out our zoomies, and soak up a bit of fresh air.

In the afternoon, I am back at work. This time is for social work. Here, I meet with patients and their families who talk about the support they need. This can include all types of things.

Some sessions are a little like therapy. Families share their feelings about all that they are going through. Other sessions are for connecting families with resources they need, such as housing or transportation.

It can be hard to talk about these things. Teens often feel sad, lonely, scared, or angry. Putting all of this into words can feel impossible.

That is where I come in. I am not there to ask questions or judge. Patients can talk or not talk. Cry. Laugh. Whatever they need.

And they do not have to ask for my help. I usually know.

One mom was a little afraid of me when we first met. That session was really hard, and she started to cry. I went over to her and softly put my paw on her leg. I wanted her to know that I do not understand, but I understand.

We are friends now.

I never judge. And secrets are always safe with me.

Even dogs need breaks

I am a popular dog with an important job. Every day, I meet cool people and spend time with great friends.

I get plenty of pets, share lots of love, and always hear someone calling my name.

But being a facility dog is hard work. I support others, soak up a lot of emotions, and stay fully present for everyone who needs me.

So, when my pack comes off at night, I am ready to chill. I race around the backyard. Have dinner. Play with my toys.

Some nights, I sit on the couch with my family and get my own snuggles. But sometimes, if the day was really hard, I like to be alone on the floor.

Then it is off to bed so I can get up early and do it all again the next day.

A little advice from a big heart

I want you to know it is OK to feel big feelings. It is OK to feel sad, scared, lonely, or frustrated. And it is OK to ask for help.

If you are struggling, reach out to a trusted adult—someone who can listen and support you.

And if you ever see a facility dog like me, be sure to say, “Hi.” We are here to help. Whether it is a snuggle, a paw, a wag of the tail, or a smile, we will do our best to make your day a little brighter.