In a Canadian healthcare first, the Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton has welcomed an internationally accredited facility service dog to its medical team. Pumbaa, a professionally trained golden retriever, began his groundbreaking work on Thursday, November 13, 2025, providing comfort and support to children and families during their hospital stays.
A Comforting Presence in Critical Care
The remarkable impact of this pioneering program became immediately evident through four-year-old Jake Davis, who received crucial support from Pumbaa during his recovery from a partial liver transplant. As Jake lay sleeping in his ICU bed, the golden retriever remained faithfully by his side, providing silent companionship and security.
When medical procedures such as blood draws or bandage changes became necessary, Pumbaa offered distraction and comfort to the young patient. During Jake's rehabilitation, the pair took walks together throughout the intensive care unit, turning difficult recovery moments into positive experiences.
Rare Condition Meets Revolutionary Care
Jake's medical journey began at just eight months old when he was diagnosed with ERCC1 deficiency, an extremely rare genetic disorder affecting only 11 people worldwide. This condition prevents his body from repairing its own DNA and makes him prone to serious health complications including liver and kidney failure.
For Matthew Davis, Jake's father, witnessing the bond between his son and the service dog has been transformative. "Pumbaa's been a part of Jake's transplant journey since before Jake was even in the ICU," Davis explained. "When your child is in the hospital, there's an inability to come together as a family. The trauma that these kids go through in the hospital is unimaginable. So having the ability to see our son have this kind of connection has been great."
A Decade-Long Dream Realized
Pumbaa represents the culmination of nearly ten years of planning by the Stollery Children's Hospital. The golden retriever received his professional training from Dogs with Wings and holds international accreditation as a Child Life Services facility dog.
Angela Mark, Pumbaa's handler within the hospital, described the lengthy process behind this innovative program. "We've been looking into getting a facility dog since about 2017, and put in proposals and then COVID hit, so things got delayed," Mark noted. When the hospital finally received approval for the facility dog program, Mark immediately volunteered to become Pumbaa's handler.
Part of Mark's responsibility involves maintaining Pumbaa's specialized skills through consistent practice and routine. The dog's extensive training enables him to perform a wide range of therapeutic functions for young patients.
"He can do individualized goals, so he can offer comfort in times of great stress," Mark explained. "He has supported children through procedures. So, if they're having an echocardiogram, he can lie beside them. If they're having a dressing change of a line, he can lie on the opposite side of them and provide support. He's a great distraction."
While Pumbaa represents Canada's inaugural hospital facility service dog, these animals have become valuable assets in healthcare settings globally. According to Assistance Dogs International (ADI) statistics, member organizations alone have placed 997 facility dogs worldwide, not including those trained by non-accredited organizations or through independent programs.
For the Davis family and countless others who will benefit from Pumbaa's presence, this golden retriever represents more than just medical innovation—he embodies hope, comfort, and the healing power of companionship during life's most challenging moments.
