Paws for RMHC

Motivation and support come in many forms, including a cold nose and a warm heart. With that in mind, HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children's at Presbyterian St. Luke's (RMHC) is thrilled to introduce their two Facility Dogs, Posey, a golden retriever/lab mix, born on September 29, 2018 and Lemon, a golden retriever/lab mix, born on March 23, 2022.

Posey and Lemon, our RMHC Facility Dogs, are a part of our staff as working dogs. They were carefully matched with our Child Life Team by the Canine Companions for Independence. They dedicated time to train with them, so they could learn the best way to utilize their amazing abilities. Posey and Lemon know over 40 commands. They can pull toy wagons, push drawers close, retrieve all kinds of items and most importantly, they interact with our patients in a calming way to encourage children through their medical journey. They even have the potential to learn more as they bond with our teams and get more comfortable in their new job.

Thanks to the commitment of the RMHC Child Life team and financial support from Rocky Mountain Children's Health Foundation (RMCHF) donors, Posey is well cared for by Kylie's Krew and PetSmart Charities and Lemon is well cared for by Shae’s Village. They have been fitted with equipment, dog supplies, food, and exceptional grooming between patient visits and regularly scheduled visits to the vet and groomer.

We ask that all patients, their families and hospital staff refrain from giving snacks or toys to the dogs. It is important that we keep Posey and Lemon at their ideal weight, so they have a long working life for our patients, are well fed and do not rely on treats to perform commands.

Please email our Child Life Team for more information on pediatric patient visits.

In 2019, the Child Life team at HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children's at Presbyterian St. Luke's (RMHC) started on a journey to introduce a Facility Dog for RMHC patients. The team could never have imagined the passion, community involvement and commitment this program would inspire.

Progress on the program stalled along the way, but all it took was the fire and determination of one very special young lady, Kylie Schwartz. Kylie was a beautiful young woman on her way to a career in human resources when her life was cruelly derailed by rhabdomyosarcoma. Kylie underwent grueling courses of chemotherapy and radiation and was able to achieve remission for a few months in 2019. However, as fall turned to winter Kylie's cancer returned. When the news of relapse struck, Kylie decided the most important work of her life would be to leave behind a legacy of gratitude and love.

Kylie set her mind to fulfilling the dream of a facility dog program for all the kids at RMHC that would go through similar treatments as she did. She began a course of giving that lit a brilliant path for everyone she encountered. Before passing on December 12, 2019 she inspired others to support her dream of a facility dog program at RMHC and so Kylie's Krew was born. This is a group of volunteers who loved Kylie and are committed to keeping Kylie's dream alive.

As Kylie's Krew gain momentum together with the Rocky Mountain Children's Health Foundation, the financial requirements for a Facility Dog were in reach. Assisted by a significant grant from PetSmart Charities, RMHC had everything needed to launch the Paws for RMHC program.

After witnessing the incredible impact that Posey had, the team at Shae’s Village, made it their mission to grow the Paws for RMHC Facility Dog Program. Thanks to their generous support, we were ecstatic to welcome Lemon onto the team. Shae’s Village will financially assist throughout Lemon’s working life. With continued partnership with Shae’s Village, the RMCHF will lead ongoing fundraising efforts to ensure the program’s success for years to come.

We invite you to follow us as we embark on our journey with Posey and Lemon.

Get updates from our Paws for RMHC Program on Instagram.

The PAWS for RMHC facility dog program is funded by our friends at the Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation. You can support Posey and Lemon’s journey by donating to the Foundation or by purchasing one of our fun program shirts. Your generosity will provide funds for direct animal care, pet supplies, and PAWS for RMHC materials.

Here are two ways to support the program:

Buy a PAWS for RMHC shirt to wear out and about

All proceeds from sales of the shirts will directly fund the PAWS for RMHC program.

Order your PAWS for RMHC shirt today

Make a gift to Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation

Gifts can be made in any amount and are automatically designated to the PAWS for RMHC program.

PAWS for RMHC donations