In 2018, the Studer Family Children’s Hospital introduced the Sacred Paws Program, a groundbreaking initiative supported by IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area and Eggfest. This program brings trained facility dogs into the hospital to meet the emotional needs of patients, their families, and caregivers during their healthcare journeys—providing a comforting, healing presence that only a loyal pup can offer.
Doug Jolly, Co-Chair of Pensacola Eggfest, crushing on his new friend.Through a partnership with Canine Assistants, a Georgia-based training organization, each facility dog spends two years honing their skills in varied environments, from hospitals to bustling public spaces, to prepare for their role. These four-legged “staff members” bring hope, healing, and comfort through their loving presence and always-ready wagging tails.
The program has grown to include four facility dogs serving across Pediatric Rehab, the Pediatric Inpatient Unit, the Pediatric Oncology Center, Pediatric Imaging, and the High-Risk Women’s Unit. In 2023, Sacred Paws expanded to help adult ICU and oncology patients, extending their comforting reach to even more individuals.
When Pensacola Eggfest helped purchase the first Sacred Paws dog, Sprout, back in 2018, they knew they were a small part of something transformative.
Although Sprout has now retired and recently passed, his legacy is deeply felt by those he touched.
Understanding the profound impact these dogs make, Pensacola Eggfest has committed to raising $30,000 to ensure this program remains at full capacity and is able to add another dog. With some current pups nearing retirement, they are also preparing for the next generation of healers to take the lead (and the leash) and are one of several groups raising funds to ensure longevity of the program.
“We’re deeply grateful for these incredible dogs and the joy they bring with every tail wag and gentle nuzzle. They remind us that sometimes, a little paw can make a big difference,” shared Lisa Long Lyter, Co-Chair of Pensacola Eggfest.
Tonight at the Pen Air Eggfest VIP Party, which is sold out, ticket holders will be able to meet three of the service Golden Retrievers and bid on a live auction item, Facility Dog Handler for the Day.
The winner will be able to spend 4 hours making hospital rounds with one of the dogs and the handler and see just how this program works, and how much joy is brought to each room and patient visited. The opening bid starts at $500, and all proceeds will be given to the Ascension Sacred Heart Sacred Paws program.
“We will begin raising funds tonight and then we will continue to do so until we reach the investment needed to purchase a dog and cover expenses for their training.
Because the training is 2 years, now is the time to act as most of the current pups age out in three years. We know the ticket holders that come to Pensacola Eggfest prove to be a very generous group of folks, so we feel confident that tonight will be a great start” , stated Jerold Hall, Co-Chair of Pensacola Eggfest.
Want to attend Pensacola Eggfest? VIP tickets are sold out; however, General Admission can be bought at this link: https://bit.ly/PensacolaEggfest2024GeneralTix
Event Details:
Location – Hadji Shrine Temple, 9 Mile Road
Friday VIP Party – 5:30pm – 9pm
Sunday, BBQ Tasting and Competition – 11am for VIP ticket holders, 12 for General Admission
Sponsored by: Kia Autosport of Pensacola, Pen Air Credit Union, Hanto and Clarke General Contractors, The Butcher Shoppe, Florida Blue, Old Hickory Whiskey Bar, Lewis Bear Company, Local Pulse Pensacola, Red Iron Design, Cat Country and Escambia Electric Motor
