Fort Worth Hospital Pooch Named a ‘Dog Who Changed the World’

Kitty, the Golden Retriever therapy dog, helps children at Cook Children's hospital.

hospital dog

The Cook Children’s hospital resident canine was named a “Dog Who Changed the World” by Milk-Bone, the dog food company. 

Kitty, named for her trainer, is a golden retriever therapy dog who works alongside Dr. Jayme Coffman, medical director at The Center for Prevention of Child Maltreatment. 

A “top-dog” graduate of the Canine Assistants school, Kitty helps treat children who are brought to the hospital because of suspected child abuse. 

“She changes the world one person at a time.”
Dr. Jayme Coffman

“She changes the world one person at a time,” Coffman told NBC5 . 

Kitty allows patients to pet her and play with her, providing relief for the children, who grow to trust her. 

“You know the one thing about a dog is that they will never tell your secrets,” Coffman said. “And, if a child sees a dog, [the hospital] is not a scary place. I mean, if a dog can hang out and have fun, so can they.” 

Canine Assistants, with the support from Milk-Bone, has placed more than 2,000 hero dogs with owners such as Coffman. 


Delivering what’s new and next in Dallas-Fort Worth innovation, every day. Get the Dallas Innovates e-newsletter.

R E A D   N E X T