Meet Darcy, the newest addition to the Pediatric Forensic Medicine team

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 15, 2025) — Soft fur. Soothing pets. A comforting companion. Therapy dogs offer relief to patients in stressful situations.

It’s why UK HealthCare has added Darcy Stanley to the team.

The highly trained, 2-year-old golden retriever has been part of the Animal Assisted Intervention Program with the Pediatric Forensic Medicine team since January 2024.

Visitors will often see volunteer canine counselors around Kentucky Children’s Hospital (KCH), but Darcy is unique. Offering comfort is her full-time job.

Her handlers are Pediatric Forensic Medical team employees, and she’s owned by the Kosair for Kids Center for Safe and Healthy Children and Families, which treats children harmed by abuse and neglect.

“Darcy sees patients in the Kosair for Kids Center for Safe and Healthy Children and Families but also in KCH, the emergency department and any other community events as needed,” said Christina Howard, M.D., chief of the Division of Pediatric Forensic Medicine at KCH, a child abuse pediatrician and Darcy’s handler.

Howard said the decision to add a dedicated therapy dog to the clinic came out of patient experience after seeing the way canine counselors have had a positive impact on children in difficult situations.

“Animal assisted interventions in the medical setting have been clinically proven to reduce stress associated with making a disclosure about abuse, exude a calming effect and reduce stress during examinations, reduce anxiety, fear and arousal symptoms associated with PTSD for patients and families, help children develop self-regulation and coping skills and develop positive self-perception,” said Howard.

Having Darcy’s handlers as trained staff members means both can work together to ease stress during an examination.

It’s important work that not just any dog can do. Darcy came from Ultimate Canine, a training program based in Indiana. She went through 10 months of extensive training before coming to Lexington.

“Therapy dogs are different from service dogs. Therapy dogs are specially trained to provide comfort and support to people in various tense environments. They can help people feel at ease, improve their mood and relieve anxiety,” said Howard. “Ultimate Canine provided Darcy for us. They interviewed our program about the type of work we do and the age groups of our patients. They then observed a litter of puppies and chose one they felt was the right demeanor for our work.” 

In her short time with UK HealthCare, Darcy has already made an impact and become a popular part of patient care.

“We have had children draw her picture for us. She has been invited to birthday parties, and even had children request a picture with her to hang on their wall or sleep with it,” said Howard. “We had one child who did not want to get out of bed, but as soon as Darcy came in the room, she was talking and willing to get up to walk with Darcy. She is also not only popular with patients, but also the staff in the hospital and our team. Hospital staff are often impacted by experiences at work, so when having a hard day, a visit from Darcy always seems to be appreciated.”

Howard says Darcy loves to get to work and loves to be around people.

“When we drive into work, she recognizes when we’re close, sits up in the car and starts making her happy noise,” said Howard. “She loves people.”

Thanks to Mark and Nancy Stanley, Darcy is part of the team. Without their support as well as Children’s Miracle Network, Kosair for Kids, Covetrus, Elanco and even many local veterinarians like Michael Wall, D.V.M., the Animal Assisted Intervention Program would not exist.

“Having a therapy dog comes with multiple expenses including grooming, toys, food, medicines, insurance and other needs. We have been fortunate to have the support of these philanthropy partners. This program has shown to be a very beneficial program for our children and philanthropy plays an important role in our ability to continue and hopefully expand it,” said Jennifer Decker, executive director of philanthropy for the UK College of Medicine and KCH.

Kosair for Kids enhances the health and well-being of children by delivering financial support for healthcare, research, education, social services and child advocacy. Kosair for Kids has focused on eradicating the scourge of child abuse and neglect for decades and has committed more than $11 million to the effort since 2013 when it founded the Face It Movement.