By Mindy Schauer | Orange County Register
Like magical medicine, a dose of Haines can help relieve pain and fight stress and depression.
The specially trained 2-year-old black Labrador with a touch of golden retriever is the first full-time resident dog at Rady Children’s Hospital at Mission.
With fur as soft as silk, and brownish-amber eyes that can melt hearts on a cold November day, the dog helps patients, parents, and hospital staff at the Mission Viejo hospital disconnect from anxiety, if only for a few thankful minutes.
“When we’re super stressed, she brings a calm energy so we’re able to recharge,” nurse supervisor Christina Venable said after getting a dose of puppy love. “We’re a family here and (Haines) is already a part.”
Brittany Ferran, who was working at the hospital as a child-life specialist helping patients cope with anxiety, moved into a new role as Haines’ handler three weeks ago.
The pair completed two weeks of intensive training in San Diego before they graduated from the Canine Companions program and headed back to Orange County where Haines now lives with Ferran and her family, including Poe, her golden retriever mix.
The duo started work last week in the hospital. Haines met the staff and was introduced to the sights, sounds and smells of the hospital. Monday, however, was the dog’s first day interacting with patients.
Haines and Ferran will be working Monday through Friday, full-time shifts.
Patrick McElvogue smiled broadly when Haines tentatively approached his 7-year-old daughter, Jordan, in a playroom. He told his daughter he had owned a similar lab as a child. Jordan, sore from an appendectomy, had not been moving much, McElvogue said. But she got down on the ground to be eye-level with Haines and stroked her soft fur.
“I can look at this dog all day long,” McElvogue said at the end of their meeting.
Haines is serious at work, Ferran said, but “when she gets home and is off the clock,” she reveals her playful side as she romps with Poe.
On Monday, the dog and trainer, laser-focused on each other, worked through their nerves. Haines jumped onto a hospital bed for the first time, and sidled up to 17-year-old Kate Avnaim, who was mesmerized by the lab’s “seriously pretty” eyes.
“We’re trying to take it slow,” Ferran said as she gave her partner plenty of potty and water breaks. And treats.
Ferran declared the day a success.
“I knew she was going to be incredible with patients,” she said. “But once you see it, it’s special.”
