HealthLinksSC.com | 85 “Our medical providers and therapists take care of the kids’ medical and behavioral health needs,” Dadin explained. “This is their medical home. We also know the importance of supporting the caregivers.” The clinic’s philosophy is that without collaboration, a child cannot thrive. On a typical day, Zelda may join Dadin or one of her colleagues during a therapy session. “Zelda is a kind and gentle dog and can be so calming during a session by just sitting and cuddling with a child,” said Dadin. “The physical comfort she gives can keep kids grounded in the moment. She can connect with them in ways I can’t.” You might also find Zelda comforting a patient who is getting a shot or having a medical procedure. “Somehow, Zelda knows how she can best be there for the child,” Dadin said. “She may jump up on the table prior to the treatment to be close enough for the child to pet. Or Zelda might sense that a certain child would rather wait until after the procedure, so she’ll wait patiently for the best moment to move closer. I’ve never had to ask Zelda to do something for a patient. She just knows.” Zelda received thousands of hours of education with Canine Assistants in Milton, Georgia. In addition to service dogs like Zelda that serve hospitals, Canine Assistants places dogs with people who have mobility difficulties, type 1 diabetes, epilepsy and seizure disorders and other special needs. Beginning when puppies are only a week old, it takes approximately a year-and-a-half to educate a dog and, eventually, its handler. The trainers use a bond-based program that focuses on creating trust rather than learning commands. The cost of educating and placing a service animal is daunting. Fortunately for MUSC, the annual Hooked on Miracles King Mackerel Tournament raises funds that are donated to MUSC to continue to build and improve its therapy dog program, which is coordinated by Michelle Jeffcoat, a child life specialist. The payoff for investment in the program and dogs like Zelda is in many ways immeasurable. “Kids can gain confidence and a feeling of self-worth with Zelda, like when they are asked to get her water or take responsibility for another small job. Some of these children have unfortunately learned to distrust adults, so they may not trust me at first. Once they see she trusts me, they are often able to open up a bit more. They may be able to generalize the bond they develop with Zelda to connect with other people,” Dadin said, adding that Zelda also adds some valuable continuity and predictability for the children she interacts with. Dadin credited the entire team of providers at the Foster Care Clinic for making the program a success, including co-handlers Andrea Jones, LPN and Carla Newman, LISW-CP. “If my team members were not so intuitive, it would not work,” she said. “For example, if Zelda completes a particularly tough session with a patient, one of my team members can tell she needs some time away from the clinic and will take her outside for a break.” Simply put, “everyone loves Zelda,” Dadin concluded. “She is a vital member of the team who brings joy to everyone she meets.”
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