Golden retriever Hollywood joins Children’s of Mississippi care team
Published on Monday, October 14, 2024
By: Annie Oeth, aoeth@umc.edu
Video and photos by: Jordan Presley and Joe Ellis/ UMMC Communications
Bree Wood didn’t enjoy physical and occupational therapy until she got a dose of encouragement from Children’s of Mississippi’s first facility dog.
The 67-pound golden retriever named Hollywood made quite an impression on the 9-year-old Children’s of Mississippi patient from Brandon.
“I want to see Hollywood again,” she wrote on a message board while recovering from surgery.
“She was dreading PT and OT, but she whipped through her exercises with Hollywood encouraging her,” said Bree’s mom, Penny Wood. “Hollywood is making a big difference.”
Bree's father, Taylor, agreed. “Having a dog like Hollywood lifts children’s spirits and takes them away from the situation that’s going on.”
Born and educated at Canine Assistants in Milton, GA, Hollywood has been on the job at the state’s only children’s hospital since Sept. 24. The newest Children’s of Mississippi team member can help stabilize blood pressure and reduce anxiety, pain and fear.
“Hollywood isn’t just a dog – he’s a vital part of our Child Life team,” said Cara Williams, child life manager and Hollywood’s handler. “He truly is the best dog. His demeanor is so calm, and the way he loves patients, families and staff is something that can't be replicated. He is so gentle and truly wants to be with people. He loves a good belly rub and will lean all the way in for a pet.”
His bedside manner is good medicine for patients and their families, she said. “Hollywood meets patients where they are. He doesn't expect anything from them and simply loves them. He allows them to be distracted from whatever is happening and gives them a sense of normalcy.”
Hospital facility dogs like Hollywood are similar to therapy dogs but have the skills to react to the emotions of patients and their families and bring them comfort. These dogs work with handlers throughout the day and go home with them at night.
“Dogs are proving every day that they are among the very best medicine modern science has to offer,” the Canine Assistants website reads. “Our community service dogs’ gentle nature and calm demeanor allow patients ... to experience animal-assisted therapy.”
Hollywood gets his famous name from the Hollywood Bowl since his litter’s naming inspiration was iconic music venues. His litter mates are named Fillmore, Red, Radio, Sydney, Bluebird and Opry.
A typical day for Hollywood starts with a walk or a backyard game of fetch before breakfast. He then is brushed and squeezes in a nap before it’s time to go to work.
“When he gets to the hospital, Hollywood loves greeting patients and staff as he makes his way up to his office space,” Williams said. “I check the computer to prioritize consults and patients who Hollywood could help reach medical goals. He takes breaks often, either napping in the office or outside in the sunshine.”
Ricardo Davis Jr., a Children’s of Mississippi patient from Ridgeland, has been enjoying time with Hollywood during his hospital stay, too. “I love him,” he said.
Hollywood also brightened the day for Cayden Myers, a Children’s Heart Center patient, said his mom, India Sims of Camden.
“Cayden loves dogs, so he was so excited when he saw Hollywood,” she said. “The dog was very comforting to him during his stay. Cara and Hollywood are a great team.”
Petting Hollywood is a favorite activity for Pailyn Williams, a Children’s of Mississippi patient from Crystal Springs.
“Hollywood is sweet,” said her mother, Patience Lewis. “She’s an animal lover, so she was thrilled to see him come through her hospital room door.”
Hollywood needs to look his best, so he’s groomed weekly, eats a healthy diet (no treats or table scraps allowed) and gets regular veterinary care.
“Having Hollywood simply adds an extra layer of goodness,” Williams said. “Everyone he meets or even just walks by smiles a little bigger. The reactions are priceless and have only been positive. Animals can reach people in a way that sometimes staff can't. The experience here at Children's will continue to be brighter with Hollywood here.”