Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins just made a huge move to help sick children that is having people all over the country applauding them.

The Joy in Childhood Foundation is an independent charity that was started by the two restaurant chains. This charity has just launched Dogs for Joy, a program that aims to bring in-residence pups that are bred and trained as service dogs to “work” full-time in children’s hospitals all over the United States.

The therapy dogs are able to distract and motivate the young patients while also bringing them lots of joy. On top of that, they have been shown to reduce the stress and anxiety of the patients and their families alike.

At this time, very few children’s hospitals have therapy dog programs. The Dogs for Joy initiative aims to cover costs by paying for things like adoption fees, staff training, and canine care supplies like food, grooming tools, and toys.

“Our mission is to bring joy to kids in truly meaningful ways,” explained Kari McHugh, Executive Director of the Joy in Childhood Foundation. “As a mother who has cared for a child with cancer, my family and I know well the happiness these dogs create on even the worst days, and the powerful, positive impact a relationship with a dog can make.”

The Cleveland Clinic Children’s in Ohio just became the first hospital to receive a grant when they got $150,000 to fund a new program employing two therapy dogs for three years. We hope that more hospitals will start using therapy dogs in the future!