Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is pleased to announce our newest member of the care team – Poppy!

Poppy is a two-year-old female Golden Retriever, who has been trained by Pacific Assistance Dogs (PADS) to be a therapeutic companion to the children and families of Canuck Place.

As part of the Canuck Place program, Poppy will fulfill and enhance many roles as a multi-tasking, hard working friend to the children, siblings and parents – accompanying them in the garden and on outings, as part of group counselling sessions or spending quality one-on-one time with them when they need it.   Poppy is available for petting & cuddling.

Although a schedule will be established to ensure a balance between being on-service and getting some refreshing rest, Poppy will be interacting with children and families at the hospice every weekday.   For children and families allergic to dogs, Poppy's schedule will be modified and the expert housekeeping staff will work to minimize the allergens.  

The introduction of an animal-assisted therapy dog continues the ongoing visits of trained pets to the hospice.  Read related story

• To support Poppy as a therapeutic companion and friend to the children and families of Canuck Place, consider making a Precious Gift
• To learn more about our work through the eyes of Poppy, visit Poppy's Facebook page - Canuck Place Poppy