In La Porte County, Franciscan Health Michigan City recently added a comfort/security dog, Oaken, a one-year-old chocolate lab who will serve the hospital in a number of capacities. Oaken is “part of our care team” said Jill Nygren, vice president of clinical support services for Franciscan Health Michigan City. “He’ll help support patients who are going through stressful, difficult, challenging times in their lives and bring another level of comfort and support and caring to help with the healing process,” Nygren said.
Skylar McElheny, RN, (right) an emergency room nurse at Franciscan Health Michigan City and Katie Griffin, RN, a Franciscan Health nurse, cuddle with Oaken, the new comfort dog on staff at Franciscan Health Michigan City. (Photo provided, Franciscan Health)
The initiative was selected in a new innovation challenge, a Franciscan Health Foundation-led contest that launched in 2024 seeking ideas from Franciscan employees. Doug Samuelson, a Franciscan Health Michigan City security officer, presented the proposal for the hospital dog with Greg Arndt, director of security and safety for Franciscan Health Michigan City. “I saw the potential impact on staff and the people we serve. We have multiple programs to assist our staff, but this just adds another layer to help ensure they are getting the support they need,” said Arndt.
Oaken will live with Samuelson in his off hours, much like a police K9 does with his handler. Samuelson, who also underwent certification training to serve as Oaken’s handler, retired from the Michigan City Police Department after serving for 14 years as a K9 handler. “In the end, everyone here will know his name,” Samuelson said. “They may not know mine, but they’ll know his.”
Franciscan Health Michigan City Security Officer Doug Samuelson stands near the St. Francis statue outside Franciscan Health Michigan City with comfort/security dog Oaken, the latest addition to the hospital staff. Samuelson is the dog’s handler. (Photo provided, Franciscan Health)
Sister M. Petra Nielsen, OSF, vice president mission integration for Franciscan Health’s Northern Indiana division, visits with Oaken, the new comfort/security dog at Franciscan Health Michigan City. (Photo provided, Franciscan Health)
