Meet our new four-legged best friend!

The Maynard Canine Crew's dog, Sam, lays on a patient's bed.

Samus Aran, named after the Super Smash Bros. video game character, or Sam for short, joined the Maynard Children’s Hospital team on Nov. 21, 2023. She has quickly become a favorite as the facility’s first full-time dog.

Sam is a golden retriever, Labrador and doodle mix who is specially trained to help you through your visit to Maynard Children’s Hospital. Sam’s handlers are Child Life specialists, which means Sam is a Child Life sidekick. She is a goofy girl with a passion for loving on patients and team members. For more information about Sam’s role and the Maynard Canine Crew, read below and connect with us on Instagram: @MaynardCanineCrew.

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Fast Facts About Me

  • Birthday: April 9, 2022
  • Favorite foods: Apples and Nutter Butter cookies.
  • Favorite thing about my job: Loving on team members and seeing the smiles on patients’ faces when I walk into the room.
  • Hidden Talent: Fitting multiple toys in my mouth at one time.
  • Favorite toy: My lambchop or a squeaky ball.

A Day in the Life

Two visitors to Maynard Children's Hospital kneel next to Maynard Canine Crew's pup, Sam.
Maynard Canine Crew's dog, Sam, looks into the camera. Sam is a golden retriever, Labrador and doodle mix.
Maynard Canine Crew's dog Sam sits on a patient's bed while another patient visits the room.
Maynard Canine Crew's handlers stand next to Sam on the playground at Maynard Children's Hospital.
Maynard Canine Crew's dog, Sam, runs with a ball in her mouth on the playground at Maynard Children's Hospital.
Sam, a therapy dog with the Maynard Canine Crew, stands on the playground at Maynard Children's Hospital.