For many children, spending time in a hospital can feel overwhelming, but one Black Labrador has made that experience a whole lot easier. Squid, part of the Canine Clinicians Facility Dog Program at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, is specially trained to comfort young patients during treatment.
One of those patients is 10-year-old Niah Carver, who was born with hypoplastic right heart syndrome. She first met Squid during a hospital stay, and the connection was instant. His gentle personality and steady presence gave her relief from the stress of lengthy procedures and time away from home.
One of those patients is 10-year-old Niah Carver, who was born with hypoplastic right heart syndrome. She first met Squid during a hospital stay, and the connection was instant. His gentle personality and steady presence gave her relief from the stress of lengthy procedures and time away from home.
Squid’s influence grew far beyond the hospital walls. Niah began carrying a stuffed toy modeled after him to school, using it to stay brave during difficult days. Her classmates eventually met the real Squid when he visited her school with his handler, showing how facility dogs are trained and giving them a glimpse of how important he has become in Niah’s medical journey.
For her mother, Chelsea Carver, the impact has been unmistakable. She described how Squid’s presence changes her daughter’s state of mind right away. Just knowing he might be there waiting eased her anxiety before treatments began. On the days Squid could not be there, Niah’s father even dressed as the Labrador to keep her spirits up.
Niah explains it in simple terms: Squid makes her feel calm and happy, because “he’s really cute.”
For her mother, Chelsea Carver, the impact has been unmistakable. She described how Squid’s presence changes her daughter’s state of mind right away. Just knowing he might be there waiting eased her anxiety before treatments began. On the days Squid could not be there, Niah’s father even dressed as the Labrador to keep her spirits up.
Chelsea says the program also gives parents comfort in the middle of difficult circumstances. It allows them to feel they are giving something positive to their child, even when they cannot stop the medical challenges themselves.
Squid was trained through Canine Companions and now works at Vanderbilt free of charge to families. His role demonstrates how carefully trained animals can provide essential emotional support in medical care.
For the Carvers, Squid has become much more than a therapy dog. He represents joy, strength, and the reassurance that even in the hardest moments, children can find comfort in the wag of a tail.
Squid was trained through Canine Companions and now works at Vanderbilt free of charge to families. His role demonstrates how carefully trained animals can provide essential emotional support in medical care.