Labrador Brings Comfort to Young Patients at Nashville Children’s Hospital

Hospitals can feel overwhelming, but one black Labrador named Squid is helping young patients at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt face those challenges with a little more ease.

Squid is part of the hospital’s Canine Clinicians Facility Dog Program, where specially trained dogs provide comfort and emotional support. For 10-year-old Niah Carver, who was born with hypoplastic right heart syndrome, Squid’s presence has been life-changing.

Niah first met Squid during treatment, and their bond was instant. His calm demeanor and playful personality helped her manage the stress of long hospital stays and difficult procedures. The impact was so strong that Niah began carrying a stuffed toy version of Sq

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