MUSC "volunteer" capable of comforting patients in special ways

Poppy’s love for putting smiles on the faces of patients and family members she visits at MUSC Health University Medical Center and Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital exemplifies the deep commitment and compassion of hospital volunteers everywhere. Her generous contributions of time and support are invaluable in the delivery of quality patient care. But, here’s a delightful twist: Poppy, 10, is a 53-pound English Labrador Retriever who is part of a corps of more than 100 certified dogs and their owners who volunteer through MUSC’s Therapy Animal Program.

Since she and owner Alan Koblin started volunteering in 2017, they have been a familiar pair who can be seen visiting young patients in clinics, visiting pediatric inpatient floors and cheering up people of all ages who receive their medical care at MUSC.

In her eight years as a certified therapy dog, Poppy has won a place in the hearts of MUSC patients and clinical team members as a member of the hospital’s PAWS team, said Cathy Bennett, Therapy Animal Program coordinator.

 

A few years ago, Koblin noticed that Poppy wasn’t acting like her usual friendly and engaging self. She was withdrawn, drank lots of water, peed in her bed a lot and basically, just acted miserable. Koblin took her to their veterinarian to have her evaluated. He was surprised to learn that Poppy’s blood glucose levels were way above normal. She was diagnosed with diabetes. To monitor her sugar levels throughout the day, Koblin had Poppy outfitted with a human glucose monitor, and she was prescribed insulin. And much like a doctor would do for a human living with diabetes, Koblin made changes to Poppy’s diet and increased her activity level. 

Poppy’s experience with diabetes inspired Koblin to share what he had learned about her diagnosis and partner with a physician and patient clinical educator to help kids newly diagnosed with diabetes. Since then, they’ve been able to foster this connection multiple times.

“It made sense for us to connect with kids with diabetes and their parents to help them understand Poppy’s story and relate to it. I thought it would help for them to see Poppy and know they can live a regular life with diabetes by being careful and making good choices,” said Koblin.

The bonded duo stays incredibly busy. In addition to volunteering at MUSC Children’s Health, the pair are therapy volunteers with Paws for Literacy in Mount Pleasant, where kids read to their furry friends; the College of Charleston and MUSC during student orientation and semester exam study breaks; and the City of Charleston Police Department.

“I feel Poppy has found her purpose,” said Koblin. “Greeting a person is a huge reward for a dog, and meeting a dog has a special meaning for some people. As long as she’s healthy and she loves it, we hope to continue our work in volunteering.

“This program couldn’t be as successful as it is without the support of dedicated volunteers like Poppy and Alan, MUSC staff and leadership. People are astounded by how the program has grown and expanded in many ways. We’re just glad to be there supporting our patients and their families,” said Bennett.