Patient Porter Pickett with facility dog Squid.
By: Jessica Pasley
Lauren Pickett gives credit where it is due
Simply put — physicians at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt saved her son’s life, she said. But her family points to a four-legged, furry friend as the true hero during the past seven months
At the beginning of 2026, Chattanooga resident Porter Pickett was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma in children
It was during Porter’s first surgery to remove the cancerous tumor, that a popular employee sauntered into Porter’s pre-op room on the third floor of the hospital
Everyone’s emotions were high, according to Porter’s mom
“I cannot say it clearly enough,” expressed Pickett. “Squid came in, and Porter just lit up. We literally just stood back and watched. I couldn’t get my son to use words to share what he was feeling, and I’m a child life specialist
“Squid was the absolute best medicine. He calmed Porter and made him feel safe.”
Squid, an 8-year-old black Labrador/golden retriever mix, rode on the gurney back to surgery with Porter, relieving his pre-operative anxiety
Squid is a part of the Canine Clinicians Facility Dog Program at Monroe Carell. Leslie Grissim, MA, CCLS, facility dog coordinator and Squid’s primary handler, said the canine has a special ability for sniffing out stress
“Our facility dogs consistently demonstrate a positive impact on patient well-being,” said Grissim. “Their presence frequently improves mood, affect and overall emotional outlook. Our facility dogs help patients build coping skills, regulate emotions and approach challenging medical experiences with greater confidence and resilience.”
Just weeks after the initial meeting, Porter returned to the hospital to have his port-a-cath surgically implanted for use in his chemotherapy treatment. Porter experienced delirium, an acute state of confusion, agitation and mixed behavior that can occur post operatively
“We had tried most everything,” recalled Pickett. “I was beginning to feel hopeless as a parent
“And in walked Squid, who knew exactly what to do. He met Porter right where he needed to be met and recognized what my child needed in an incredibly difficult time. We were in complete awe and relieved.”
Squid snuggled with Porter, whose mood immediately changed
“I’ve seen a lot working at a hospital over the past 18 years, but that Squid? That was one of the most powerful experiences ever,” said Pickett. “The interaction was therapeutic and intentional, which contributed to the positive coping for Porter.”
The family shared the encounter with friends, who secured a life-sized plushy of Squid for Porter, who has a plethora of Squid-like items to accompany him on clinic visits
On June 15, Porter received his own black lab puppy for his eighth birthday and as a precursor to his last chemotherapy infusion, which was July 10. Porter named his black lab Calamari in honor of Squid
“Squid puts immediate smiles on patients and families’ faces,” added Grissim. “It’s what we call Pawsitive impact —the incorporation of the facility dog enhances the effectiveness of the intervention by reducing anxiety, increasing motivation and promoting patient engagement.”
Canine Clinicians are expertly trained facility dogs who work alongside on-staff professionals (handlers) with experience in understanding people’s mental and emotional health. Canine Clinicians help children navigate the toughest medical challenges, making hospital stays a little less stressful and a lot more comforting
Squid was joined by a second team member, Velour, in 2024. Both are a part of the Patient-and Family-Centered Care team and were trained and provided free of charge by Canine Companions
Canine Clinicians is Monroe Carell’s Facility Dog Program that was established through collaboration with Mars Petcare through its BETTER CITIES FOR PETS program to support a full-time facility dog and a staff position for coordination of the program
On July 10, Squid accompanied Porter during his final chemotherapy treatment and the bell ringing ceremony
