What has four furry paws, waves hello with a happy tail and is great at comforting kids and families? Meet Sully, highly trained facility dog and full-time member of Pine Rest’s care team at the Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health!
Sully, a one-year-old yellow Labrador, will provide comfort, emotional regulation support and therapeutic engagement for children and teens. He was donated to the Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health by Priority Health as part of their Priority Pups® signature program, which is a partnership with non-profit Canines for Change. His placement at the Pediatric Center marks the first time the program has expanded beyond schools and into a clinical hospital setting.
Sully has been training hard and getting lots of love over the past year with his primary handler, recreational therapist Kayla Jeltema. He celebrated his first birthday earlier this month by proudly earning his certification—now that’s a pup with purpose!
To make sure everyone’s experience with Sully is positive and safe, Sully’s handlers will be checking allergies of patients before meeting with them, as well as checking with treatment teams for any concerns.
Sully Provides Comfort in Many Ways … Here are Just a Few:
- Joining group therapy sessions focused on communication, mindfulness, self-esteem, emotion regulation, and more.
- Providing hands-on comfort, such as allowing patients to pet him, cuddle him in bed or simply offering a calm presence in the room.
- Supporting individual therapy by reducing anxiety and building trust, especially for patients with a history of trauma, depression or anxiety.
- Using specialized skills—like a “cuddle” command, where he gently applies pressure to help provide extra comfort when needed.
A Few Fun Facts About Sully!
- Loves playing at home with his dog and cat siblings, and carrying soccer balls around the yard.
- Enjoys treats, especially ice cubes and peanut butter.
- Celebrated turning one in February 2026 with a staff “Birthday Pawty” at Pine Rest!
- Before joining the Pediatric Center care team, Sully greeted day program participants of our Adult Partial Hospitalization program one morning a week!
- He can play games with kids using newly learned tricks such as rolling giant dice or pressing a button with his paw to start the fun.
- He has already spent many hours working with Pine Rest staff and patients alike and is ready to bring joy to kids, teens and families alike at the Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health!
“When a child is experiencing a behavioral health crisis, a sense of safety, comfort and connection can make all the difference.” says Dr. Heide Rollings, medical director of the Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health. “Sully will bring warmth and calm into moments that can otherwise feel overwhelming. We’re deeply grateful to Priority Health and Canines for Change for their partnership and the generous grant that made this meaningful addition to our care possible.”
