Rainier

Rainier, the hospital’s first full-time facility dog, joined our team in June 2026. While her cuteness may be disarming, this pooch is a specially trained clinical canine that works alongside clinical staff to support pediatric patients and their families throughout the hospital.

Unlike volunteers with Paws of Love, which can only visit for a few hours a week for socialization, facility dogs are integrated into daily hospital clinical operations and trained to assist healthcare teams in a variety of settings, including inpatient and outpatient units.

The addition of a full-time hospital service dog is grounded in a growing body of research showing that animal-assisted interventions can help reduce anxiety, fear and emotional distress among children receiving medical care. The program is made possible by annual donations from Spirit of Children and Spirit Halloween Stores, a longtime hospital partner that helps fund projects within the Mapp Child & Family Life Program.

Studies show that interactions with certified hospital service dogs can help lower stress levels, improve cooperation with treatment, and provide alternative focus during difficult procedures. Researchers also have reported benefits for healthcare professionals, including improved morale, reduced stress, and a greater sense of workplace well-being.

Emma Bryson, a certified therapeutic recreation specialist, and Rainier work together as a team. Bryson serves as the primary handler, and Brenda Maddox, a child life specialist, serves as Rainier’s secondary handler. The team’s responsibilities include working together with clinical staff to co-treat during medical procedures, physical and occupational therapy sessions, visiting inpatient units, and providing emotional support for patients and families navigating complex medical situations.

Rainier completed more than a year of training before joining the Children’s & Women’s Hospital team, and the team follows strict health, safety and infection-prevention protocols established by the hospital and Canine Assistants, a canine service dog company based in Alpharetta, Georgia.