Dogs are our steadfast companions through thick and thin. They’re also good for our health.
In fact, 87% of physicians agree that pets can improve mental health by decreasing loneliness and depression. They can even lower our heart rate and blood pressure. Research also suggests that dogs can be highly beneficial for supporting treatment and accelerating positive outcomes in hospitals. That’s where Hank, Maverick, Marlee, Savi and Gibbs make their paw-sitive difference.
These pups aren’t just good dogs, they’re an important part of healing for so many children and their families. As part of Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Butterfly Paws program, these facility and therapy dogs bring comfort, joy, emotional support and therapeutic interventions to patients, families and staff every day at the hospital.
To celebrate the tremendous contribution these furry friends make every day, leaders and staff from Nationwide and Nationwide Children’s recently gathered to host a special event that allowed these wonderful dogs to have some fun. The event commemorated a special multi-year contribution from Nationwide to the Butterfly Paws Pet Health Fund, which will cover the veterinary needs for the Butterfly Paws working dogs over the next five years, beginning in 2026.
Butterfly Paws offers healing touch and supportive interactions for those who need it most. The dogs and their handlers bring wagging tails and big smiles to children undergoing treatment at the hospital, contributing to the overall wellbeing of the hospital community as well as patients and their families.
“The Butterfly Paws dogs give so much to improve the mental health and wellbeing of kids, families and staff at Nationwide Children’s Hospital,” said Dr. Emily Tincher, chief veterinary officer for Nationwide Pet. “Supporting health care and research at Nationwide Children’s has always been a priority for Nationwide, and now this commitment extends to the dogs who bring comfort and joy to patients and families. The human-animal bond thrives when pets are healthy, which is why we’re making this financial commitment to ensure that these incredible dogs receive the veterinary care they need to continue their vital work for the kids and staff at the hospital.”
As a reward for their important work, Hank, Gibbs, Maverick, Marlee and Savi were given center stage at a celebratory event recently, where they received new toys, ample belly rubs and quality time with hospital staff, Nationwide associates and patient champions as a way to give back to those who give so much of themselves.
“Butterfly Paws is made entirely possible through philanthropy,” said Melissa McMillen, director of Butterfly Paws at Nationwide Children’s. “Generous support like this from Nationwide allows us to continue providing the best care to the beloved canines who do so much every day to support our patients, families and staff.”