F.E.T.C.H program helps pediatric patients heal

What better way to show love to the children in our area than to help them get all the care they need and that includes care from some loving canines.

Meet the facility dogs of PRISMA HEALTH CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL-UPSTATE: Kalle, Kenzie, King and Vivitar (Vivi). These are dogs, expertly trained, who partner with a handler to care for pediatric patients at Children’s Hospital of Greenville Health System (GHS).

They are all members of The Canine F.E.T.C.H. (Friends Encouraging Therapeutic Coping and Healing) Unit, Children’s Hospital’s animal-assisted therapy program for patients and their families.

One of the most valued qualities of a facility dog is the unconditional love and attention that they give to everyone with whom they interact. In a health care environment, activities such as grooming, feeding, snuggling and playing fetch with a facility dog can aid patients in medical rehabilitation and psychiatric programs.

The dogs and trained handlers work as a team to provide comfort, support, and distraction to children during procedures and hospitalization.
A new dog will be coming into the mix soon and will be in the Developmental Pediatrics department and Stone Academy PTA has started the fundraising effort.

You can help too!
Text: GOFETCH to 41444
Or visit: GHSGiving.org/Fetch