The Texas Children’s Pawsitive Play team grew by four paws this month! We are thrilled to announce the addition of the first black labrador retriever, Lawton III. Like Crosby and Angus, Lawton comes from Canine Companions and was trained extensively before making the trip to Texas Children’s. After several weeks of work and acclimation in the Simulation Center, he will begin his position in July in the Cancer and Hematology Center, serving both the inpatient and outpatient clinics.
A Dream Team in the Cancer and Hematology Center
Though not new to the role of Child Life Specialist, Teaghan Robinson and Julie Anne Joyner are also recent additions to the Pawsitive Play team. In a full circle “Texas Children’s” moment, Teaghan was Julie Anne’s TCH Buddy when she started in Child Life three years ago, and now they are working together again! Teaghan will act as Lawton’s primary handler, working with him on the inpatient floors of the Cancer and Hematology Center and Julie Anne will have him on a secondary basis (likely one to two days a week) in the Cancer and Hematology outpatient clinics.
Teaghan and Julie Anne have waited patiently for Lawton for almost two years. Through the process, Canine Companions asked numerous questions about the needs of the unit where the dog would work. “We were asking for a dog with a calm temperament that could also kind of flip their switch quickly to be more playful and energetic,” said Teaghan. “Working in the Cancer and Hematology Center, you might see some heavy situations, but then you’ll also see kids who are doing pretty well and coming close to the end of their treatment.” Lawton fits the bill perfectly with a loving demeanor, great instincts and an adorable tendency to “pounce” on his toys and fellow dog mates when it’s time to play.
Just the beginning
All three of them are ready to get to work! “You know the Pawsitive Play program here at Texas Children’s is one the greatest services we have to offer at the hospital. I’ve always had an interest in having a facility dog throughout my child life specialist journey, so it’s really exciting that moment is finally here,” Teaghan explained.
Julie Anne expressed the same sentiment, having worked with a facility dog during her internship. She’s especially looking forward to being a secondary handler. “It’s a great position because I’m able to work with Lawton but in a different setting while still doing my role out in the clinic,” she said. She already has a lot of ideas about how to incorporate Lawton into patient care, including infusion room programming, painting with patients, playing Tic Tac Toe with suction cups on the windows and helping soothe and distract kids during blood draws or IVs.
One thing is for sure, Lawton is already deeply loved. “He is the most perfect dog I ever could have imagined for myself. He was totally worth the wait,” said Teaghan. He has already bonded deeply with Teaghan and Julie Anne, as well as the rest of the Pawsitive Play team. “I can’t wait for him to fall in love with Texas Children’s as much as I love TCH,” she continued.
Lawton, Teaghan and Julie Ann are only just beginning their journey. There will be countless patients and families touched by their work and we wish them all the best! Be sure to do the same if you see them walking through the hospital or the Cancer and Hematology Center.