In celebration of National Dog Day on August 26, Dunkin’® visited Tampa General Hospital and threw a special ‘paw-ty’ for its facility and K9 dogs, including a Golden duo, Belle and Millie, who provide animal-assisted therapy for the hospital’s pediatric patients. Dunkin’ brought its Community Cruiser to treat staff and patients to yummy treats, coffee, refreshments and gift cards. The celebration also included entertainment and photo opportunities with Dunkin’s mascot Cuppy. The furry guests of honor were treated to pup cups and Dunkin’-inspired dog toys from a BARK x Dunkin’ collaboration.

Just in time for National Dog Day, dog parents in the Tampa Bay area can find these limited-edition dog toys at participating Dunkin’ locations and online through BARKShop.com, while supplies last. Each BARK toy is available only by making a donation to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, which proudly supports facility dogs at hospitals nationwide with its Dogs for Joy program that helps place full-time service dogs in children’s hospitals to bring joy and comfort to pediatric patients.

While Belle and Millie are not a part of the Dogs for Joy program, they are a crucial part of the Child Life Team employed by Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH. Over the years, their hard work and commitment to providing companionship and comfort have helped thousands of pediatric patients going through treatment, including nine-year-old Gavin. With Belle and Millie’s support, Gavin is now able to tolerate his infusions without fear. Their comforting presence has provided him and his family with the confidence to tackle his treatment and even look forward to his time with the dogs instead of dreading the experience. Another patient who formed a special bond with the pups is three-year-old Zeke, who made a special appearance at the celebration and personally treated Belle and Millie to Dunkin’ pup cups.

Dogs for Joy and other facility dogs are full-time employees of the hospital who come to work every day with their handlers and can be a critical part of a child’s treatment team. They perform a range of tasks that help medical teams achieve their clinical goals – like keeping a child calm during a medical procedure or motivating a child to get out of bed and go for a walk.

To learn more about the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, visit www.bringjoy.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

About the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation
The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, the charitable foundation supported by Dunkin’, provides the simple joys of childhood to kids battling hunger or illness. The Foundation partners with food banks, children’s hospitals and nonprofit organizations to fund joyful environments and joyful experiences for kids when they need it most. Since 2006, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation has granted more than $50 million to hundreds of national and local charities across the country thanks to the generosity of its franchisees, guests, vendor partners and employees. For more information, please visit www.bringjoy.org.