Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children’s Chief Canine Officer and hospital therapy dog, Tucker, has passed away.
The following statement is from Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children CEO Martha Smith:
On behalf of our Kapiolani Medical Center family, it is with great sadness that we share that Tucker, our Chief Canine Officer and hospital facility dog for the past nine years, has passed away. Tucker had been diagnosed with cancer and was in remission, but died unexpectedly.
It’s safe to say that Tucker was our most beloved “employee” and cherished not only by our patients and their families, but also by our physicians, nurses, staff, volunteers and the community. Tucker provided comfort, happiness and care to our pediatric patients, and will live on in the hearts of everyone who came into contact with him.
It will be very difficult to replace Tucker. However, we have a wonderful relationship with Assistance Dogs of Hawaii, which is the organization that gifted us with Tucker. Through this group, we’re hopeful that we will find another dog to help care for our patients and carry on Tucker’s legacy.
Martha Smith
CEO, Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children