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Medical Dog Program

Honoring Ralph, MD

Through specialized child life programs, we ease the stress and anxiety of medical experiences using play, creativity, technology and even man's best friend.

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Ralph Lauren the medical dog – or Ralph, MD, for short – was Children's Hospital Colorado's very first full-time hospital dog and a beloved member of our Child Life Department. In July 2021, Ralph, MD, honorably retired from clinical patient care.

Read about Ralph, MD, in the storybook below.

A Legacy of Love

The Story of Ralph, MD

 

Once upon a time, there was a very special dog named Ralph Lauren, or Ralph for short. Ralph was born to help people, especially kids.

Ralph wasn’t even 2 years old when he started his job helping kids in the hospital feel calm, brave and loved.

Ralph has worked every day with his handler, Kizzy. They are the best of friends.

Ralph has always been very good at his job and has made new friends every single day.

He has loved showing off his tricks and teaching kids that they are bigger than their fears.

After spending more than 7 years helping people, there came a time that Ralph needed help, too.

Ralph hadn’t been feeling well, so his doctor did some tests to figure out why. After a while, the doctor called Kizzy to share the news that Ralph was very sick.

Kizzy then took Ralph to the best animal hospital to get Ralph what he needed to feel his best. The doctors loved Ralph right away. They are doing everything they can to help him.

Ralph is a very brave patient. He learned how to be brave from the kids he worked with at the children’s hospital.

Most days, Ralph feels great! He spends those days doing what he loves the most: being at the hospital with kids and going on adventures.

Other days, Ralph doesn’t feel so well. On those days, he rests and gets lots of snuggles.

After trying lots of treatments, the doctors told Kizzy that Ralph’s sickness would not go away. Most dogs (and people) that get sick eventually get better. Ralph’s sickness is one that will not get better.

The doctors shared the sad news that, eventually, Ralph will die.

Kizzy and the doctors decided that the best thing for Ralph is to spend time doing his favorite things and enjoying the time he has left.

Ralph fills his days with hikes, rolling around outside and lots of extra treats (especially bananas).

When someone special to us is very sick, we feel many different feelings. It’s important to know that all feelings are OK to have.

Ralph, a golden retriever, wearing a heart-themed bandana and headband.

Ralph will always be remembered for being silly, knowing lots of tricks and helping thousands of people feel loved.

Ralph, a golden retriever and medical dog, happily trots through the snow

What will you remember about Ralph?

Help us honor Ralph, MD

You can help ensure Ralph's legacy lives on by making a donation through the Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation.

You can also download and print this coloring page featuring Ralph, MD, for your little one. We know losing a friend is never easy; if your child needs support processing news about Ralph, we recommend these tips for talking to children about death and grief.

Although Ralph, MD, is now retired, his work continues. Meet the other pups in our growing Medical Dog Program.