FORT WORTH, Texas – A special four-legged caregiver has joined the staff at Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth. Engle, a yellow Labrador and golden retriever cross, is Baylor Scott & White Health's seventh and newest facility dog, provided through a unique collaboration with not-for-profit Canine Companions®.

"The sky's the limit in terms of how Engle can serve our patients," said Charles Williams, president, Baylor Scott & White – Fort Worth. "She's already making a positive impact at our facility."

Trained in more than 45 skills designed to motivate and inspire patients, Engle can serve those with a variety of needs and disabilities. She was bred, raised and expertly trained for two years through the Canine Companions at Baylor Scott & White Health – Kinkeade Campus in Irving.

Engle works alongside facility dog handler and behavioral health clinician Kathryn Omarkhail and Angie Fraticelli, director of oncology services. Animal-assisted services complement traditional services, such as rehabilitation, by adding a source of support and motivation. Engle was placed in this role based on her skills and abilities, including:

• Using her calm temperament to assist oncology, transplant and women's services patients during treatment.
• Alleviating patient and caregiver anxiety and depression through strategic integration with solution-focused therapy.
• Meeting oncology patients throughout continuum of care to distract them during infusions and pain management.
• Inspiring patients in support groups such as art therapy and exercise programs.

"Our hope is to contribute to a more supportive and compassionate patient experience with measurable benefits," Omarkhail said. "We are so grateful to the people who made this program possible."

It's no surprise that Engle has quickly become one of the most popular team members at the hospital, providing life-changing support to patients.

The animal-assisted program at Baylor Scott & White – Fort Worth is philanthropy funded.

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About Canine Companions
Canine Companions is leading the service dog industry so our clients and their dogs can live with greater independence. Canine Companions provides service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings at no cost to clients. Established in 1975, Canine Companions has six regions across the country serving all 50 states. The South Central Region training center is located in Irving, Texas and serves the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas. Learn more at canine.org.

About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White is empowering customers to live well by reimagining traditional healthcare — creating more convenient, personalized and informed experiences. It serves more than three million customers through 53 hospitals, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple; the Baylor Scott & White Research Institute; 1,300+ access points; 59,000+ team members; and its leading digital platform — MyBSWHealth. The system's award-winning employer solutions include Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and Levanto — a company offering digitally enabled health products. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White's mission is to promote the health and well-being of all individuals, families and communities. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com