Life Is Sweeter With Snickers

It’s a regular weekday at Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH). Snickers is walking down the hall, head down with purpose. She has a busy day ahead. Kiddos in need of snuggles, reassurance or maybe just a little help meeting that next recovery goal await. Snickers has important work to do. But she doesn’t get far before someone spots her. Like the superstar she is, Snickers stops and gives a wag of her glorious, feathered tail. Life for this lucky person suddenly got just a little bit sweeter. Last December, Snickers, a golden retriever who turns 3 on July 19, joined the ACH Child Life department as a fully fledged member of the team. She arrived ready to spread light, love and lots of cuddles.

But Snickers’ most important role is bringing healing into the lives of young patients and their families.

A Week in the Life

Like any hospital, no two days at ACH are the same. Snickers follows a list of patients, checking in with Child Life specialists to see who needs her most. She works closely with therapy teams to help kids reach recovery goals. On Mondays, she visits Camp Wannaplay for “Paws and Play.” On Wednesdays, she hosts “Yappy Hour,” encouraging patients to leave their rooms and connect.

Giving Love and Healing Full-Time

Snickers works a full 40-hour week. She is playful, intuitive and deeply attuned to patients’ needs. “When I was applying for Snickers, my vision was a dog who would push kids to do the hard stuff,” says handler Amy Palmer. Recently, a patient relearning to speak said, “I love Snickers!” — a breakthrough moment. “I think she has a way of connecting that those of us who walk on two legs don’t always have,” Amy says.

Fully and Fabulously Trained

Snickers came from Canine Companions, a nonprofit that provides trained service and facility dogs at no cost.

Work-Life Balance

After work, Snickers heads home with Amy and her family. One day, she’ll retire there permanently. “With every day I see a little bit more of her true personality,” Amy says. “Which is a lot of fun.” 

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