CHOP's first facility dog retires after six years of service

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- 'Dilly' the yellow lab provided comfort to patients at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for six years. Now, he is ready for retirement.

He was the first facility dog to work full-time at CHOP, starting in the summer of 2020.

He worked five days per week, mostly at the Philadelphia campus but also visited King of Prussia and the Behavioral Health and Crisis Center on Cedar Avenue.

Dilly was trained by Susquehanna Service Dogs and specialized in providing comfort to patients in the hospital.

He worked for all six years alongside Lizzy Olsen, a child life specialist who became the facility dog program coordinator at CHOP. He also spent time with secondary handlers known as 'favorite aunties.'

Dilly retired on October 8, 2026, with fanfare from employees and patients alike.

His half-sister, Nettle, remains a facility dog at CHOP. The team hopes to bring more pets on board in the future.

For more information about the facility dog program at CHOP, visit their website.

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