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