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Employee’s Dog Brings Smiles to Young Patients at Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at NewarkbethIsraelMedical Center
“Kodi loves everyone, dogs and people,” says Mr. Syme. “He has a very easy going, quiet personality. The only things he does not like are the black bears in our back yard.” The 90-pound, four-year-old dog completed pet therapy training through Therapy Dogs International Inc., and is now qualified to make hospital visits. Therapy dogs must pass the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Test (CGC), and a temperament evaluation for suitability to become a therapy dog. On the pediatric floors, children rush to pet Kodi and comment on his large size. Mr. Syme’s asks him to perform a few tricks as an introduction, having Kodi give a paw, spin in a circle and sit up and beg with two paws in the air. Sometimes the children speak about their own pets at home. “All of the patients, family and staff love Kodi,” says Anne Reilly, Child Life Director for Children’s Hospital of New Jersey. “Many of them are shocked and delighted to see a dog in the hospital. The children enjoy his gentle, sweet disposition and his visits perk up their day.” In between visits to the pediatric floor, Kodi is stationed at the Help Desk with Mr. Syme. The VIP Labrador even posed for an employee picture and now has his own official hospital badge with photo. During his time at home, he enjoys eating carrots and dog bones and lots of swimming. Linda Syme, his wife, who is a fourth grade special education teacher, also plans to bring Kodi to school for a Children Reading to Dogs program. Children who have difficulty reading out loud are often more relaxed when reading to an animal. For More Information about CHNJ The main phone number for Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, located at 201 Lyons Avenue at Osborne Terrace in Newark, is DATE: March 13, 2008 CONTACT: Beth Salamon, Public Relations (973) 322-4926 |
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Newark, NJ—Laughter may be the best medicine, but for young patients a visit from a friendly dog may be just what the doctor ordered to lift the spirits. At Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, pediatric patients on two floors are visited on Wednesdays by Kodi, a lovable blonde Labrador retriever owned by Dave Syme, an employee and Help Desk technician. 
