Meet Gizmo | A facility dog who works in Children’s Hospital’s Childhood and Adolescent Mental Health Care Program!
- Is 2 ½ years old
- April Baby
- Purebred golden retriever
- Loves rolling in the grass and leaves
- Favourite stuffie is his Croissant
♥ Fun fact: Gizmo’s nickname on the floor is Eeyore!
As one of his handlers, Kayla, describes, “He saunters around the floor, not unhappy, but just such a nice, calm and quiet presence that we’ve taken to calling him Eeyore. He’s so reliable and peaceful!”
Aside from how adorable he is, the first important fact to know about Gizmo is a “facility” dog. Meaning he was born, bred and trained for months to help in medical settings, so he can work full-time at world-class facilities like Children’s Hospital, LHSC.
Gizmo’s three handlers, Child and Youth Counsellors Kayla and Stephanie, and Registered Nurse Rachel, told us how much of a difference Gizmo’s presence has been making since he arrived.
How Gizmo Helps Children Facing Mental Health Struggles
1. Normalizes the hospital environment
Coming to the hospital can feel really scary! Gizmo provides a warm welcome to everyone, from small children to teens and brings a sense of fun even in moments where laughter and comfort can feel far away.
2. Helps children feel comfortable with their care providers
In individual therapy appointments, kids might feel unsure of what to say.
“Often, when patients meet Gizmo, they’ll comment, ‘Oh, I have a [insert breed] dog,’ and it starts a conversation with a patient who might have been hesitant otherwise.”
3. Bolsters confidence for youth participating in group therapy
Children and teens attending group therapy are motivated to come to group because of Gizmo’s presence but also are happier to stay in group and participate. He’s great for when people are discussing hard things! With trained commands such as “rest” and “hugs.”
Gizmo is specially trained to offer comfort. He can even provide deep pressure for patients to relax their nervous systems and make them feel more comfortable.
4. Adds laughter to difficult appointments
When children and teens come to us with difficult topics or their struggles, children and teens will be working through heavy feelings and Gizmo will do dog things, like a little snore or sniffle, and people start to laugh. He truly brings a sense of fun and lightness just by being present.
Donor Generosity Makes Gizmo's Presence Possible
The comfort and laughter that comes with Gizmo’s presence within Children’s Hospital’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Program is possible because of donor generosity.
When Children’s Hospital’s Childhood and Adolescent Mental Health Care Program requested a facility dog, donor-funding through Children’s Health Foundation meant they were able to start the process of getting Gizmo!
Gizmo wouldn’t be here to help patients facing mental health struggles without donors like you – thank you!
To help provide comfort and care to patients at Children’s – visit childhealth.ca/donate.
