About the Dog Volunteers
What are dogs doing in a "people" hospital?
You may see a few dogs during a visit at Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati. These volunteer dogs visit patients in the hospital.
Although you'll only see two dogs at a time, the Dog Visitation Program includes 42 volunteer dogs of all types, sizes, and breeds. These dogs make regularly scheduled visits. But they also make special visits. To request a special visit, please ask your parents to contact a nurse or a Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati Child Life specialist.
Meet the Dog Volunteers
Chelsea
- Age: 9.5 years
- Breed: Labrador mix
- Gender: Female
- Owner: Edith Markoff
Quick Facts
- Chelsea was adopted from an animal shelter as a puppy.
- Chelsea was one of the original dogs in the Children's Dog Visitation Program.
- If you meet Chelsea, you'll notice that she sits on her tail in the hospital. She sits on her tail so it won't be run over by wheelchairs. She's a smart dog with experience!
- Chelsea's favorite pastime, other than sitting on the couch, is to pull apart stuffed toys.
- Her nickname is "Queenie" because at home she acts like the queen of the house.
Arnold Schwartzenweiner (Arnie)
- Age: 6.5 years
- Breed: Mini Dachshund
- Gender: Male
- Owner: Marina
Quick Facts
- Arnie is a face-licker. If you sit close to Arnie, he will give you a kiss.
- Arnie makes most of his visits to the rehab unit.
- At 12.5 pounds, Arnie is one of the smallest dogs in the program.
- Arnie has been a part of the Dog Visitation Program for five years.
Eldon
- Age: 8 years
- Breed: Labrador-terrier mix
- Gender: Male
- Owner: Meryl Klein
Quick Facts
- Eldon was found with his brother Jake on the streets of Philadelphia.
- During a visit to the hospital, Eldon sits on a chair with wheels and is rolled around.
- Eldon has been described as a "kissing fool," who "lives to lick." This is especially true if Eldon spots bare knees.
- Although Eldon does not like to take baths, he'll jump right into the tub if he knows he's going to Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati on a visit.
