Ursa and Yona, two golden lab sisters born in June 2024, have joined the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center as part of its facility dog program, according to an April 15 announcement. The dogs are specially trained to provide comfort and support to patients in various hospital settings.
The addition of Ursa and Yona highlights the growing role of facility dogs in supporting both pediatric and adult patients during their hospital stays. These animals are intended to help reduce stress, motivate recovery activities, and offer emotional support.
Ursa will work primarily with child life specialists Erin Palm and Addie Snyder at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital, focusing on young patients in the Pediatric Surgical Care Unit and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Yona is assigned to assist adult critical care patients alongside Pam Martin, a certified therapeutic recreation specialist, marking the first time a facility dog from this program will serve adults in critical care areas.
Ashley Kane, manager of Child Life and Integrative Therapies, said: “Our team is so excited to welcome Ursa and Yona to our program. Ursa serves as a cheerleader and motivator for young patients who need to walk following surgery, supporting their overall healing process. Yona supports adult patients as they work toward key milestones in their intensive care unit recovery, bringing smiles and a sense of normalcy to patients and families when they need it most.”
Both dogs were raised by Canine Assistants in Georgia using bond-based choice teaching methods that emphasize love and respect between humans and canines. Handlers also complete training camps focused on these techniques before working with the dogs.
The facility dog program began at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in 2016 with Kaia, the first such dog at a Pennsylvania children’s hospital. Since then, additional golden retrievers have joined the team across specialized areas within both hospitals. The full-time canine employees work about 40 hours per week with their handlers while having time for rest breaks.
Separate from pet therapy programs—which focus more on companionship—the facility dog initiative relies on extensive training for specific healthcare tasks aimed at helping patients cope with medical procedures or hospitalization stressors.
Ongoing donor funding supports this program through several endowments that cover costs related to caring for the dogs throughout their service years.
