A new four-legged friend has joined Children's Minnesota Team. Ina, a medical dog, is set to boost mental health support for kids in their acute mental health care program.
She will offer comfort, encourage activity, and enhance therapy sessions, bringing joy and a sense of calm to young patients according to Children's.
The care team's Kayla Shafer says Ina and her handler Leah play a key role in helping kids adjust to life at the hospital.
"Their goals might be emotional regulation, enhancing their engagement in their other therapies," says Shafer. "Just the other day, Leah and Ina led a group around positive self-care and how it's important to take care of ourselves. And so the group painted Ina's nails."
Ina joins Riggs as the second canine companion in the hospital's dedicated medical dog program. Can Do Canines, a non-profit that raises and places assistance dogs, provided Ina free of charge to help patients cope with their diagnosis and work toward their treatment goals.
Shafer says Ina will help patients with everything from emotional regulation to boosting engagement in therapy sessions.
"Oftentimes being in the hospital is very scary, and kids here for mental health concerns often don't want to open up to new people very quickly," Shafer explains. "But Leah has reported already, with having Ina, it's an instant rapport builder, that connection is made. Kids are interested in her."
Three-year-old Ina and her handlers will encourage physical activity through play and exercise and help establish consistency and structure in the patients lives.
Can Do Canines Executive Director Jeff Johnson said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Children’s Minnesota, where Ina will join Riggs in transforming countless lives. This is only possible to due the dedication from many volunteers and staff members who are involved in raising and training these amazing dogs.”