Five years ago this summer, a special four-legged team member joined the Tufts Medical Center family. Bob, our first facility dog, marked the beginning of what would become the All Paws on Deck Facility Dog Program. This innovative initiative has transformed countless patient experiences and created deeper connections throughout our Tufts Medical Center community.
A vision for holistic care
When Andrea Colliton, Director of Family-Child Life Services, witnessed the remarkable impact of volunteer therapy dogs on patients’ hospital experiences, she knew there was potential for something bigger. Her vision became reality when Tufts Medical Center launched the first facility dog program in New England in August 2020 with support from the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation.
"The goal of starting the program was to increase services that were really focusing on that psychosocial, emotional side of healthcare," explains Colliton, who manages the program. “Having a facility dog full-time would help our trained specialists provide better, more effective support and treatment for patients and their families,” shared Colliton.
The All Paws on Deck Facility Dog Program expanded in May 2023 when Dorothy (Dottie) joined Bob, thanks to the generous support of Tufts Medical Center donors. The facility dogs work alongside their five handlers, all hospital professionals, to support patients, families and staff through stressful and challenging healthcare experiences.
A unique partnership
Bob and Dottie are facility dogs, bred and trained to be working dogs in a hospital. They operate on a “bond-based” approach rather than command-based training to build meaningful relationships with their handlers and stay calm while working in a chaotic hospital setting.
Each interaction is well thought out and planned. The facility dog handlers assess each patient's needs, considering their diagnoses, stressors and developmental level to determine what goal-based intervention is most appropriate. The dogs help patients feel more comfortable during difficult conversations, provide sensory support and offer a calming presence that research shows can help lower blood pressure, stabilize breathing and heart rate.
"The whole point of using them as a resource is because they are such easy animals to connect with," Colliton notes. "You look at them and you feel more comfortable. They're cute. They're calm. They have nice soft fur that you can pet." But behind their calming presence lies careful training, extensive preparation and thoughtful integration into patient care.
The bond-based training is crucial. "The patients are looking to the dog to model their calm behavior, but if the handler isn't calm in the situation, the dog isn't going to be calm either," explains Cat Kurban, Certified Child Life Specialist and Instagram Coordinator for All Paws on Deck. "They're looking to us for that reassurance. Because they can sense our energy, the partnership between the facility dogs and their handlers is critical to successful interventions,” shares Cat.
Making a difference across all ages
The All Paws on Deck Facility Dog Program holds another special distinction—it's the only facility dog program in New England that serves both pediatric and adult patients. This comprehensive approach reflects the diverse needs of our Tufts Medical Center community. It also recognizes that patients of all ages and diagnoses can benefit from the comfort and connection that Bob, Dottie and their handlers provide.
While some hospital experiences can be challenging, Bob, Dottie and their handlers help reduce emotional trauma and provide therapeutic support during difficult moments. Their presence offers comfort to patients, families and staff alike, creating connections that extend far beyond individual interactions.
Join us in supporting + celebrating this work
As we celebrate five years of this pioneering program, we're excited to invite our community to participate in the All Paws on Deck 5K Virtual Dog Walk, running from July 21 through August 1. For $35, participants receive a special All Paws on Deck t-shirt and Tufts Medical Center dog bandana while directly supporting the program that has brought so much comfort to our patients and families.
The goal of the fundraiser is to raise awareness about the program's impact while building community connections across Tufts Medical Center. The team also hopes that it'll generate vital funds for program operations. Behind the scenes, maintaining a facility dog program involves many ongoing costs—from veterinary care and professional dental cleanings to monthly pet insurance and specialized food.
Whether you plan to walk, run or roll, this virtual 5K offers a meaningful way to support a program that continues to make a profound difference in our Tufts Medical Center community.
All proceeds directly support Bob, Dottie and the continued growth of this vital program.
Follow Bob and Dottie on Instagram @AllPawsOnDeck_TuftsMed
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