Sit, Stay, Heal!

Hank, Maverick, Marlee, Savi and Gibbs aren’t just good dogs, they’re heroes with wagging tails. As part of Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Butterfly Paws program, these facility and therapy dogs bring comfort, joy, emotional support and therapeutic interventions to patients, families and staff every day at the hospital. They’re on a mission to unleash the incredible bond between humans and dogs to promote healing and well-being for kids facing tough health challenges.

To celebrate the tremendous contribution these furry friends make every day, leaders and staff from Nationwide and Nationwide Children’s recently gathered to host a special event that allowed these wonderful dogs to have some fun. The event commemorated a special multi-year contribution from Nationwide to the Butterfly Paws Pet Health Fund, which will cover the veterinary needs for the Butterfly Paws working dogs over the next five years, beginning in 2026.

“The Butterfly Paws dogs give so much to improve the mental health and well-being of kids, families and staff at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.” said Dr. Emily Tincher, chief veterinary officer for Nationwide Pet Insurance. “Supporting health care and research at Nationwide Children’s has always been a priority for Nationwide, and now this commitment extends to the dogs who bring comfort and joy to patients and families. The human-animal bond thrives when pets are healthy, which is why we’re making this financial commitment that ensures these incredible dogs receive the veterinary care they need to continue their vital work for the kids and staff at the hospital.”

Hank, Maverick, Marlee, Savi and Gibbs were given some time off to attend the event, where the dogs were able to enjoy new toys, belly rubs and play time with hospital staff, Nationwide employees and patient champions—letting these dogs take a break and just be dogs.

“Butterfly Paws is made entirely possible through philanthropy,” said Melissa McMillen, director of Butterfly Paws at Nationwide Children’s. “Generous support like this from Nationwide allows us to continue providing the best care to the beloved canines who do so much every day to support our patients, families and staff.”