27
April
2022
|
12:30 PM
America/Chicago

Remembering Ralph Lauren, First Sit...Stay...PLAY! Facility Dog

Summary

Ralph helped begin the Sit…Stay…PLAY! program in 2014, along with our current facility dog and his sister Chanel. 

Katie Campbell, manager, Child Life, was one of Ralph's handlers while he was at Cook Children's from 2014 to 2019. She shared the following words about him: 

"It is hard to imagine a world without Ralph. When we first met, I would never have guessed what he and Chanel would begin at Cook Children’s. Ralph was full of personality, charm, and love. He was a performer and loved to entertain. He loved his work and made a difference to so many patients, families, and staff members. He opened the door to what was possible for a doggo in a hospital.

Whether in the halls of the hospital, the playground, or at camp: Ralph was always busy making someone’s day better and/or providing comfort at just the right time. Ralph was the best Bingo player and rarely lost a popsicle eating contest. He may have also escaped the grooming truck, gently stolen a donut hole from a toddler, mistaken the turf at Bed Pan Open for an indoor dog park, and many other choices that he should have thought through a smidge more but he was just living his best life. 

Thank you, Ralph. Well done, buddy. You made a difference to so many."
 

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Ralph Lauren
Comments 1 - 11 (11)
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Dana Kennedy
03
May
2022
I am heartbroken. But I know he lived such a great life and helped so many people along the way. We miss you Ralph Lauren!
johanna
02
May
2022
I was lucky enough to work with Ralph on HO and he not only brought joy to those amazing kiddos but he brought such joy to his faithful nurses. Gonna miss seeing your stories on IG Ralphie! Rest easy buddy!
Linda Leckey
01
May
2022
So precious. A few words from a family of 4 legged children. The author is unknown, Just a Dog

From time to time people tell me, "Lighten up, it's just a dog", or "That's a lot of money for just a dog". They don't understand the distance traveled, time spent, or costs involved for "Just a dog". Some of my proudest moments have come about with "Just a dog". Many hours have passed with my only company being "Just a dog" and not once have I felt slighted. Some of my saddest moments were brought about by "Just a dog". In those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "Just a dog" provided comfort and purpose.

If you, too think its "Just a dog", you will probably understand phrases like "Just a friend", "Just a sunrise", or "Just a promise". "Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person. Because of "Just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

For me and folks like me, its not "Just a dog". It's an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. "Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday people can understand it's not "Just a dog". It's the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "Just a man or woman."

So the next time you hear the phrase "Just a dog," smile, because they "Just Don't Understand".

Rest in peace Ralph. You gave love and happiness to so many children and people.
Marketshia Jones
30
April
2022
Gonna miss seeing you around. Rest in Peace Sir Ralph
Richelle Hicks
29
April
2022
He was the best and my favorite. I remember him having a play date with my patient in the NICU and the baby loved it. Ralph would lick him all over and when he was done cleaning the patient, the patient would reach for him to start again. It truly was a unique experience and I loved every minute of watching it. We rarely have doggie visits here in the NI, but Ralph was super special!
Jan Althouse
29
April
2022
It was love at first sight! I fell in love with him instantly, and I know the staff and patients and families of Cook did, too. I was crushed when he and Kizzy moved to Colorado and I realized I wasn't going to see that wagging fluffy tail going down the halls of Cook any longer. But I followed him in Instagram and felt like we stayed in touch, if only through photos and videos. I was devastated to learn of his passing but know that he is in heaven reconnecting with old friends. I love and miss you sweet Ralphie.
Anna Denton
29
April
2022
Oh sweet Ralph, the memories of love, laughter and consoling that you did for our patients and employees is unmatched. Sending out love to all that have been heartbroken to hear of your passing. Run free sweet boy.
Lisa Dalton
28
April
2022
Ralph, you made SUCH a difference. For all of us. You loved, laughed and lived right alongside of us for a long time...but never long enough. We have missed you since you left Fort Worth, and miss you all over again knowing that you have left this earth. But you have left pawprints on our hearts, and we will always remember you. So much love.
Lisa
Audrey H. Ross
28
April
2022
Good morning, I have been with cook hospital for at least almost three years and I believe that the most beautiful friends around the hospital giving them love and faith . thanks you for this because they are important part of the hospital and especially for the children's, thank you for allowing them to share and be part cook children's hospital .
Santana R Saldivar
28
April
2022
When my son Aaron was in the hospital we saw Ralph daily and he always put a smile on bot of my kids faces. We even spent Thanksgiving 2015 with him and we have the cutest pictures together. We cherish those moments dearly.
Helen Ramsbottom
27
April
2022
Oh Ralph was amazing! I remember back in 2014 when a young child, who was very connected to Ralph, really needed Ralph and the child had to move to an isolation area for the child's treatment. Staff received special permission for Ralph to visit the child! For grins, we dressed Ralph up in PPE and he cooperated:) Thanks Ralph for going above and beyond and you were a fluffy example of the CCMC Promise! You also blessed my life and made work softer!