A Job Pawsitively Well Done!

May 16, 2024 | (30) Comments

As many of you have seen and heard over the past few days, everyone at Texas Children’s has been preparing our ‘goodbyes’ to our beloved Pawsitive Play therapy dog, Bailey, who is celebrating her much-deserved retirement.

Pawsitive Play is one of my favorite programs because I truly believe it’s one that serves both patients and employees alike. I can’t help but smile when I get a visit from one of our dogs and as I’m sure they do for many of you, simply seeing them walk the halls makes my day even better.

I love each of our facility dogs, but our sweet Bailey has always held a special place in my heart.

For those of you who don’t know, my wife, Shannon, and I provided the donation that brought Bailey to Texas Children’s — and we made this donation in honor of our dog, Cadence. Cadence brought Shannon and me so much joy for many years and in her memory, we wanted to gift a second therapy dog to our patients and their families.

Since she arrived in 2018, Bailey has been an integral part of the Texas Children’s family, spreading joy, comfort and unconditional love to all who have had the pleasure of crossing paths with her. From comforting patients during difficult treatments to providing a source of solace for our hardworking staff, Bailey has brought smiles and warmth to countless faces throughout her tenure at Texas Children’s.

The impact of Bailey’s presence simply cannot be overstated. She served as a constant source of companionship and emotional support, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety during challenging times, including the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Her gentle demeanor and puppy-dog smile brought light into even the darkest of days for so many, reminding us all of the healing power of love and connection.

As we bid farewell to Bailey, I know we are all filled with gratitude for the countless memories and moments of joy she shared with us. While Bailey may no longer roam our halls as an official facility dog, her spirit will always live on at Texas Children’s.

To Bailey, your friends and colleagues say thank you. Thank you for your unwavering dedication, your boundless love and your tireless commitment to making Texas Children’s a better place. You have been a blessing to us all and we are forever grateful for the love and laughter you brought into our lives.

Thank you for being our furry friend, our trusted companion and for serving patients for more than five incredible years. You deserve all the pup cups and treats for a job pawsitively well done.

30 Responses to “A Job Pawsitively Well Done!”

  1. Angeline Chin

    Thank you Bailey for all you’ve done to help our patients, families, and staff. You will be missed. Congratulations on your retirement. Wishing you the best!

    Angeline

  2. Jerald Schwen

    I have had the privilege and honor of getting to know some of the patients Bailey has affected and had a profound effect on. Thank you Bailey, enjoy your retirement, you earned it!

  3. Paige Schulz

    Mr. Wallace, thank you and Shannon for your unwavering commitment to this program! Pawsitive Play would not be where it is today without your vision and support.

    Job well done Bailey. You and Adair have had such a profound impact on our patients, families and staff. Wishing you the best (and lots of naps) in retirement, Bailey. We miss you, but your legacy carries on!

  4. Jerald Schwen

    I have had the honor and privilege to get to grow close to just a few of the families Bailey has affected and had a profound effect on. Thank you Bailey! A retirement well deserved!

  5. Belinda P

    Thank you Bailey for your dedication and beautiful spirit that helped everyone you crossed paths with, here, with your TCH family . Enjoy your retirement. God bless you!!!

  6. Leslie

    I will forever love Bailey! This #GoldenGirl will always be #OneOfAKind. Thank you Mr.Wallace and Shannon for your generous donation! What a difference Bailey made here at TCH! That difference is #LifeChanging! Happy Retirement! #WellDeserved

    • Mark A Wallace

      Thank you, Leslie. Shannon and I have learned a lot about the value of a high quality Pawsitive Play Program like the one we have a Texas Children’s. We are all in and always will be.

      Bailey and Adair have certainly brightened the lives of thousands over the last 6 1/2 years.

  7. Maria Valero

    Thank you Bailey for all your sweetness to us, as employees, and love and comfort to our patients and families! I’ll miss seeing you here. Enjoy your well deserved retirement. Wishing you great health, happiness and lots of playtime!!

  8. Catherine P. Waites, RN

    Such a very good doggie! Thank you Bailey (and Adair). Hoping for you a very long retirement filled with tennis balls, naps, belly rubs, and playtime. You will be missed at TCH.

  9. Bailey, I along with others will miss you very much in Perioperative Services. I will cherish the photo we have together when you came to my office to comfort, after losing a Coworker. You are Very Special, now go and have fun in your retirement days. I said to you Bailey “A Job Well Done” you have serve this hospital well. I pray you have enjoy us as much as we have enjoyed you. Farewell and Goodbye my Pawsitive Play therapy dog, Co-Worker and Friend!!!

  10. Alina Venegas

    Thank you Bailey for always making my day better with out even realizing the impact you have in my work life. You will truly be missed enjoy your well deserved retirement filled with hugs, treats and rest!

  11. Angela

    Thank you Adair and Bailey for the joy and comfort you have brought to TCH. Bailey we began this journey at TCH in the same year 2018. When I first met your I had a fear of our four leg friends but with your love, you helped me get better. I am remember rubbing your soft beautiful shiny fur and you loving help me to focus of the love and not the fear. I believe that is when we bounded. I will miss you, enjoy your retirement and don’t forget to travel and see the world.

  12. Linda Bergstrom

    Thank you Bailey for an incredible job well done! You will be missed by many. I was fortunate to have met you in all your traveling around TCH. Much love and hugs and enjoy your relaxation.

    • Mark A Wallace

      Bailey will remain with Adair the best Mom Golden Retriever could have. We’re always available to dog sit. Our Zoby (golden doodle) and Joseph (golden retriever) and Bailey are very fond of one another.

  13. Nicole Triggs

    Bailey has brought so much happiness to so many patients, visitors, colleagues, and to me. No matter what kind of day you’re having, Bailey will for sure put a smile on your face.

    Thank you to Adair and Bailey, and to Mr. Wallace and Shannon Wallace for this blessing. ❤

  14. Rukhsana Hussain

    Dear Beloved Bailey,
    As we bid her farewell, we want to wish her a joyous and restful retirement. Although I am new at TCH; but have heard endless stories about how she touched so many hearts in wonderful ways and we will all miss her dearly!

  15. Rhonda

    What a wonder gift to honor your dog. Bailey has been a blessing to the patients I serve and has indeed brought a smile to my face on many a day.
    I appreciate the story and pictures you have shared with us.

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