Canada’s first dedicated Child Life Services Facility Dog

Canada's first dedicated Child Life Services Facility Dog

The Stollery Children’s Hospital is proud to introduce its newest Child Life Services team member: Pumbaa, a professionally trained, internationally accredited Facility Dog who comforts and supports children and families during their hospital stay.

Pumbaa joined the Child Life team in June and has been settling into his new role, making fast friends with Stollery kids and their families.

Thanks to our generous donors, we can fund specialized programs like the Facility Dog program, giving Pumbaa the opportunity to bring comfort to our young patients and their families, making a hospital stay a little less scary.

More on Pumbaa:

CityNews Edmonton

CTV News Edmonton

Watch the video here.

Edmonton Journal

Read the article here.

Global News Edmonton

Originally aired November 13, 2025

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Meet Angela and Melanie

As Certified Child Life Specialists, Angela and Melanie's jobs are to help children cope with hospitalizations and reduce medical trauma. Soon, an exciting four-legged addition will be joining their expert team: a facility dog! As handlers, Angela and Melanie will work with the new facility dog to help patients meet specific, individualized goals.

Keeping the CHILD in children’s hospital

Child Life specialists help make sure kids get to be kids — even during a trip to the Stollery Children’s Hospital.

Stollery kids can enjoy an Enchanted day at The Beach

Families now have access to a fully accessible indoor and outdoor play area at the Stollery Children’s Hospital.

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Meet the Match!

Canada's first dedicated Child Life Services Facility Dog

More on Pumbaa:

Meet Angela and Melanie

Keeping the CHILD in children’s hospital

Stollery kids can enjoy an Enchanted day at The Beach