Meet Dilly, CHOP’s Full-Time Facility Dog
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Sometimes young patients at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia need a special visitor to motivate them, provide comfort and help them cope with the stress of hospitalization. That’s where specialty trained dogs like SSD Dilly and the Child Life staff can make a real difference in our patients’ lives.
SSD Dilly (or Dilly for short) was raised and trained by Susquehanna Services Dogs (SSD), a program of Keystone Human Services that raises, trains and places service dogs, hearing dogs and facility dogs to assist children and adults with disabilities to become more independent.
Dilly recently sat down for a quick Q&A session about his background, favorite things about the CHOP Facility Dog Program and more.
Question: Where are you from originally?
Answer: Grantville, PA
Q: What is your favorite part of being a Facility Dog?
A: My favorite part is helping patients and families to cope with new experiences at the hospital. I love to watch patients grow their confidence when they learn to talk again and get out of bed and walk after surgery. My favorite part of the day is a good snuggle and nap with the patients. These kids are so brave and strong, and they inspire me.
Q: What is your go-to takeout food or favorite restaurant?
A: Salty Paws in Rittenhouse Square. They make homemade ice cream and dog treats that are pawsitively delicious.
Q: If you were a Disney character, who would you be?
A: I would be Sven from Frozen because I love the snow and I think having antlers would be cool. I looked pretty cute wearing them around the pawlidays.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
A: Practice makes pawfect!
To learn more about who’s eligible for a visit from a CHOP facility dog and how to request a visit, see CHOP Facility Dog Program.