After suffering a traumatic brain injury in an accident, Dexter’s life had been turned upside down. He spent months at Marshfield Children’s Hospital. He didn’t want to be stuck in a hospital bed — he wanted to live like a normal teenager. But his body wasn’t working. Words wouldn’t come.
Though occupational and physical therapists, child life specialists and other providers worked with Dexter daily, he needed something more to help him heal.
That’s when the child life team decided to take a new approach. Maybe Dexter didn’t need a doctor. Maybe he needed man’s best friend.
Meet Dolly Pawton
“Dog-tor Dolly Pawton,” a young golden retriever, became Marshfield Children’s Hospital’s first designated facility dog in November 2024.
The child life team had dreamed of adding a facility dog to the team for seven years and finally made it happen thanks to generous support from Christmas in July Charity.
Founded by Greg Cemke, Christmas in July Charity supports local children and families by funding critical projects at Marshfield Children’s Hospital. During the charity’s signature annual event, Santa rides a motorcycle to deliver joy, comfort and gifts to pediatric patients.
In addition to supporting the facility dog, donations from the event also supported an outdoor yard space at Marshfield Children’s Hospital for Dolly to take breaks from work.
Dolly was raised as a service dog since she was a puppy at Canine Assistants in Atlanta, Georgia. When she was 10 months old, she completed an internship at the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta. Our child life specialists traveled from Marshfield to Georgia for a specialized in-person camp with Dolly prior to bringing her home.
A New Approach to Healing
Marshfield Children’s Hospital is one of only two children’s hospitals in Wisconsin to have a facility dog. Unlike pet therapy, Dolly and child life follow a goal-directed program that helps patients cope, heal and achieve treatment goals. She works in both hospital and clinical settings, as well as providing staff support and assisting with bereavement services.
Dolly works 40 hours a week, handled by trained child life specialists Lindsey Welch, McKenzie Tischauser and child life manager Heidi Giese. When she’s off duty, her three handlers take turns housing and caring for Dolly, with Lindsey as her primary caregiver. Pet Supplies Plus in Marshfield has also generously donated free lifetime grooming for Dolly each week, so she is always clean and ready for work.
“I use her to complement me,” said McKenzie. “That could be doing arts and crafts bedside and having Dolly join in with pawprint art, or using her to teach kids about hospital equipment — like putting her on the MRI scanner to show how it moves. She desensitizes these scary things for kids.”
| Follow Dolly on Instagram at @drdolly_pawton to see her at work!
The Dolly Effect
Rehabilitation work became Dolly’s first big assignment at Marshfield Children’s Hospital. McKenzie introduced Dolly to Dexter during occupational and physical therapy, and the “Dolly effect” was immediate.
With Dolly’s assistance, Dexter began engaging with therapy and making huge strides in his recovery. Dexter had been struggling to use his right side, but he began moving his right arm and hand as he reached out to pet Dolly. Dexter also had to relearn how to speak, and “Dolly” was one of the first words he spoke after his accident.
“From the first day Dexter met Dolly, he started turning over to pet her, which he’d been unable to do,” said McKenzie. “From that point, they really developed a special relationship. She was always so excited every time she saw him, too. He gave the best scratches!”
When Dexter was ready to leave the hospital, he told his care team that he wanted to walk himself out the doors — but not alone. After more than 100 days, Dexter proudly walked out leading Dolly. Today, he continues to progress at home and through follow-up appointments.
More Than a Friend
Dexter is just one of many pediatric patients whom Dolly has already helped in her short time at Marshfield Children’s Hospital. 2025 Children’s Miracle Network Champion Jana Dickert, age 9, has also made fast friends with Dolly.
Jana experienced a stroke at the age of 6 and has made frequent visits to Marshfield Children’s Hospital for follow-up care as part of her recovery. Jana’s ongoing care includes Botox injections requiring sedation. In the past, Jana would often repeatedly say, “I’m scared” while waiting for the IV start.
With Dolly present, the experience was far less stressful for Jana.
Dolly also helps child life specialist Lindsey Welch with outpatient visits at Marshfield Children’s Hospital. Needle pokes are common procedures that create anxiety for kids, some requiring sedation for injections and blood draws. With Dolly as a distraction, the child life team has found sedation is needed less often.
“
Dolly has changed the hospital experience for so many kids who struggle with fear and anxiety. She is an invaluable member of the team.
Child Life Specialist
In her time at Marshfield Children’s Hospital, Dolly has already had an immense impact on Marshfield Children’s Hospital staff, child life specialists and the kids and families she supports.
Dolly isn’t just man’s best friend. She is a true healer for children in need.
Give for Children. Give for Good.
If you’re inspired by this story, give for local kids today. Programs and services like Dolly are made entirely possible through the generosity of donors.
100% of your gift stays local to help provide comfort, healing and hope for kids and families during their most difficult moments.