The first week at a new job can be nerve-wracking, but the newest member of the Chase Child Life staff at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital is completely calm. In fact, she’s comfortable enough to lie down during her workday like it’s no big deal.
Yet her colleagues can’t get enough of her. Their faces light up when they see her and she never has to say a word.
Such is on-the-job life for Isha, the pediatric facility dog that just started working full-time at UCLA Health.
A nearly 2-year-old Labrador-Golden Retriever mix, Isha has been trained since puppyhood to work in a hospital setting. Once she begins interacting with pediatric patients, she’ll help comfort them during medical procedures, support them during physical therapy and bring smiles to the faces of everyone she meets during her workday.
“Isha is another tool in the Child Life department to really reduce stress and anxiety in our pediatric patients,” says Isha’s handler, Child Life Specialist Adina Bodolay, MS. “We’re really trying to enhance the patient experience.”
A dog with special traits
Bodolay waited a year to get Isha, a certified assistance dog trained through Canine Companions, which has been training and placing service dogs since 1975. Bodolay — a Child Life Specialist at UCLA Health for more than 20 years and a lifelong dog owner — knew she needed a special set of characteristics in a pediatric service dog.
The pup would have to be good around children, calm but still playful, comfortable in clinical settings, not a big barker and not easily distractible.
“She’s a really good match,” Bodolay says.
When she’s not working, Isha lives in Bodolay’s home, where she shares space with Bodolay’s Shih Tzu-terrier mix, Susie.
Even Isha’s off-the-job life is disciplined, however, Bodolay says. Unlike Susie, Isha can’t have treats, eat people food or jump up on the couch without an invitation. Bodolay uses the same commands at home that Isha follows in the hospital. Isha also follows a strict diet to keep her at her ideal weight.
“It’s different than having a regular dog, but she’s amazing,” Bodolay says. “She’s so calm, sensitive and sweet.”
She’s also meticulously well-kept. Unlike most pet dogs, Isha has her fur and her teeth brushed nightly and her nails trimmed once a week.
“Her nails are nicer than mine,” Bodolay jokes.
Connecting with colleagues
The 50-pound pooch has already made an impact on hospital staff, who lined up to greet her during her official welcome party Tuesday, Oct. 25.
“We’re so happy you’re here,” Marla Knoll, LCSW, said as she knelt to scratch Isha’s head.
Sometimes just seeing a dog in the hospital halls, she says, can make things feel a little lighter.
“She’ll be a consistent presence of joy and healing for our patients,” said Meghan Ruby, MSW, at Isha’s welcome party. “Animals are so magical. They’ll help children adjust to being in the hospital.”
“She’ll also add more normalcy” to the hospital environment, said Shannon MacLaren, LCSW. “I’m excited for the kids. I think she’ll help parents, too.”
Added Andrea Ferris, MSW, “She’s already helped us.”
Learn more about the Child Life Specialists at UCLA Health.
