As a K9 handler with the Michigan City Police Department, Doug Samuelson saw how dogs benefitted the department and community.
Now retired, Samuelson works as a security officer at Franciscan Health Michigan City. He has long thought that the hospital could use a dog as well.
“With the traumas we have and the effects on people, including the staff, it just made sense,” Samuelson said in a press release. “You can just see people’s eyes light up when they see a dog.”
Samuelson’s idea became a reality early in March with the arrival of Oaken, a one-year-old chocolate lab. Oaken is a certified therapy dog, trained to provide comfort to patients, visitors and staff. He is certified in the detection of explosives and in Friendly Find, which allows him to help find missing persons.
Samuelson underwent certification training to serve as Oaken’s handler.
The hospital’s dog initiative was made possible through a Franciscan Health Foundation-led employee contest. The contest, aimed at bringing employee ideas to fruition, launched in 2024. The contest received 40 applications from across the health care system. Trustees selected five winners, including the Franciscan Health Michigan City dog project.
Samuelson presented the proposal for the hospital dog with Greg Arndt, Franciscan Health Michigan City director of security and safety.
“I saw the potential impact on staff and the people we serve,” Arndt said. “We have multiple programs to assist our staff, but this just adds another layer to help ensure they are getting the support they need.”
Samuelson said studies in Japan in 2010 showed that having comfort dogs in hospitals increased staff morale.
“If staff feels good at the end of a bad day, they want to come back the next day,” Samuelson said. “I’ve seen (Oaken) walk into the ER and completely change the mood there.”
Oaken will live with Samuelson in his off hours.
“In the end, everyone here will know his name,” Samuelson said. “They may not know mine, but they’ll know his.”
