Advocate Children's Hospital recently welcomed a new four-legged teammate to its Park Ridge campus – Duo Dog Drake, a specially trained facility dog. With his gentle presence and comforting nature, Drake is already making a meaningful difference in the lives of pediatric patients, their families and hospital teammates.
This milestone marks the launch of Advocate Children's Hospital’s facility dog program, made possible through a generous grant from the Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing the simple joys of childhood to kids battling hunger or illness. Through the Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation's national Dogs for Joy™ program, Drake's ongoing care and expenses are fully covered.
Drake comes to Advocate Children’s Hospital through an ongoing partnership with Duo Dogs, a nonprofit organization based in St. Louis that specializes in training facility dogs. Duo Dogs assigns working facility dogs at no cost to the client, and their expertise ensures that Drake is uniquely prepared to serve patients and families.
Drake, a two-year-old labrador retriever, is the hospital's first canine teammate and he is bringing a new dimension of care to Advocate Children's Hospital. Drake is embedded in the hospital's daily operations, working alongside clinical staff five days a week to support patients through their medical journeys.
Thanks to the generosity of the Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation and the specialized training and partnership with Duo Dogs, Advocate Children's Hospital can now offer the healing comfort of a facility dog to patients and families. Together, their partnership has made Drake's arrival – and his impact – possible.
Drake has two designated handlers who are also both certified chaplains at Advocate Children’s Hospital. His handlers, Rev. Martin Karrer and Rev. Tracy Nolan, were both instrumental in Drake's training, on-boarding process and "new employee" orientation and have welcomed him to the team with open arms.
Martin shared, "Drake brings a sense of joy and normalcy to our hospital that is truly transformative. His presence lifts spirits, eases fears and reminds our young patients that they're not alone."
How you can help
Because of philanthropy, Advocate Children's Hospital was able to launch its facility dog program, which offers comfort and support to pediatric patients. Please consider making a gift today.