Facility Dog Program
Children’s Mercy’s two facility dogs, Hunter and Hope, provide comfort, motivation and smiles to many of our patients and families. Studies show that dogs can reduce stress and help make people feel better, emotionally and physically. For many patients, playing with a dog helps make the hospital feel more like home. The dogs might encourage a child to go for a walk, socialize with others, or participate in therapies. For some children, there’s not better medicine or treatment that compares to snuggling in bed with a warm fluffy friend.
The Children’s Mercy Facility Dog Program is made possible by generous support from caring individuals, businesses and organizations. For more information about the Children’s Mercy Facility Dog Program contact Missy Stover at mstover@cmh.edu or (816) 234-3609.