Bulkley Richardson Supports Baystate Children’s Hospital Facility Dog Program

SPRINGFIELD — From her tail wags to the instant smiles she inspires, Isabela, Baystate Children’s Hospital’s first-ever facility dog, earns her unofficial title of chief comfort officer every day.

To help secure her future, Bulkley Richardson made a $10,000 donation to help sustain the Facility Dog Program, which provides goal-oriented, animal-assisted therapy to pediatric patients, families, and hospital staff. Unlike volunteer therapy dogs, facility dogs like Isa work full-time alongside specially trained clinicians to help children meet specific medical and emotional goals.

Isa supports patients by providing comfort during stressful or painful procedures, assisting with physical and occupational therapy goals, offering emotional and bereavement support, and helping normalize the hospital environment for children and families. Isa also plays a meaningful role in supporting hospital staff, offering comfort during difficult moments and helping improve morale.

“We are grateful for Bulkley Richardson’s generous donation to the Facility Dog Program. Backed by strong clinical research, facility dogs have been shown to reduce stress, lower pain and anxiety, and improve overall well-being for patients, families, and healthcare teams alike,” said Dr. Matthew Di Guglielmo, chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Baystate Health and pediatrician-in-chief at Baystate Children’s Hospital. “Isa has made an undeniable impact on our patients’ overall experience, allowing us to provide the care they need.”