NutriSource Sponsors Full-Time Therapy Dog

Rocket is the first facility dog working at the M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital. NutriSource Pet Foods funded this program with a gift of $250,000. The philanthropy is currently expanding the program to another five hospitals!

As a facility dog, Rocket has "staff access" in the hospital along with child life specialist and handler, Anna. Unlike other therapy animals, Rocket can be in a patient room during medical procedures to comfort children and families during particularly stressful moments. Rocket and Anna can also conduct special therapeutic interventions with a child, which may include encouraging a child to walk after surgery, helping a child to learn to take medicine, providing comfort and support during painful moments, or reducing anxiety before or during a procedure.

“If a child needed to get an IV, for example, Rocket could help the child cope with what is happening by creating a calm and comforting presence,” Dressel said.

Rocket has received years of advanced, specialized training from Georgia-based Canine Assistants, a nonprofit dedicated to educating and placing service dogs with individuals and in healthcare settings. 

“There is nothing more important than the health and well-being of our children. The bond between pets and kids is extra special.” – Charlie Nelson, President of KLN Family Brands