We like to think of every PAWS dog as more than just a companion; they’re a comfort-giver, a confidence-booster, and sometimes, a sneaky hallway motivator.
Meet RENLY, a Labrador Retriever with a heart of gold and a job title that’s part therapist, part hallway traffic controller, and full-time Chief Morale Officer (CMO).
Her journey begins in a pair of cozy clinics connected behind the scenes. Where every day brings new faces, wagging tails, and the occasional bacon-scented bubble.
A Purpose Bigger Than One Person
RENLY was chosen for a path that would touch many lives. While some PAWS dogs are matched to support one person throughout their working life, RENLY had a bigger mission: to help lots of people. Through PAWS’ Animal Assisted Services, RENLY became a facility dog, supporting a wide range of patients in a clinical setting.
She splits her time between two connected practices: Dr. Shana Rush’s pediatric neuropsychology office and Dr. A.J. Rush’s physical rehabilitation clinic. The two offices are connected by a private hallway in the back—a behind-the-scenes passageway that RENLY knows like the back of her paw.
The Treat Trick That Changed Everything
Dr. A.J. works with children who have disabilities, some of whom need leg braces or gait assessments. But here’s the thing: kids walk differently when they know they’re being watched.
That’s where RENLY comes in.
Instead of asking a child to walk down the hallway, Dr. A.J. sends RENLY ahead to sit patiently at the end. Then he simply says, “Can you take RENLY a treat?” And just like that, the child walks naturally, focused on the dog, not the task.
“Having RENLY there has completely changed the way we do assessments,” says Dr. A.J. “What used to take multiple tries now takes just a few minutes—and the kids love it.”
Comfort on Call
Shots aren’t fun, but RENLY makes them a little easier. When a child needs an injection, she’s right there, offering her soft fur and steady presence. Whether she’s curled up beside them or gently lying across their lap, RENLY turns a stressful moment into one filled with comfort and calm.
Crawling Toward Connection
RENLY adores babies and toddlers. But as a big, sturdy Lab, she can be a bit overwhelming for the tiniest patients. So, Dr. Shana taught her to crawl—yes, crawl—on her belly to gently approach little ones without towering over them.
“She’s fascinated by babies,” says Dr. Shana. “Teaching her to crawl was our way of letting her get close without scaring them. It’s one of the sweetest things she does.”
Break Time = Best Time
Long testing days can be tough, but RENLY turns break time into the best time. Some kids curl up beside her for a quiet snuggle. Others get silly, helping her chase and pop bacon-scented bubbles (yes, that’s a real thing—and yes, she loves it).
One little boy asked to take RENLY for a walk during his break. That short stroll turned into a breakthrough.
“He talked my ear off during that walk,” says Dr. Shana. “I learned more about him in 15 minutes than I could have in half a day. RENLY just puts kids at ease.”
The CMO: Chief Morale Officer
RENLY’s impact goes far beyond the exam room. CMO RENLEY makes such an impact on patients; some only schedule appointments when RENLEY is working. Dr. Shana shares, “Several patients told our staff they would only schedule an appointment on days when RENLY is in the office. She makes everyone smile.”
Dr. Shana estimates RENLY helps over 1,000 kids and adults a year. By the time she retires, that number could reach 10,000.
From Hallways to Hearts
Whether she’s helping a child walk, easing the sting of a shot, or just being her lovable self, RENLY is more than a facility dog; she’s a force of comfort, connection, and joy.
Because sometimes, the smallest gestures—a nuzzle, a tail wag, a shared walk—can make the biggest difference.
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