Kids at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital got a special treat this week — a visit from Baskin, a new facility dog gifted to the hospital through the Dunkin’ Dogs for Joy program.
A Joyful Event for Patients
During the celebration, patients were able to:
Join a stretching and Pilates-based movement session
Decorate their own Dunkin’ donut
Color themed activity sheets
Of course, Baskin the pup helped lead the activities, bringing plenty of smiles to children and families.
The Role of Facility Dogs
The Dogs for Joy program, launched in 2018, aims to place trained dogs full-time in children’s hospitals across the country. These dogs are more than just companions — they assist with clinical care by:
Calming children during medical procedures
Encouraging kids to get out of bed and walk
Providing emotional comfort during difficult treatments
So far, the initiative has supported 50 facility dogs across 33 hospitals nationwide.
Fundraising Efforts Continue
The MUSC event also kicked off the 2025 Dunkin’ Joy x BARK toy collection. Guests who donate $16 can receive limited-edition dog toys, with all proceeds supporting children’s health programs.
To date, this partnership has raised $12.5 million to help children battling illness across the U.S.
Spreading Joy in Tough Times
The Dogs for Joy program is part of Dunkin’s Joy in Childhood Foundation, which is dedicated to bringing comfort and simple joys to kids facing illness or hunger. For children at MUSC, Baskin represents a new source of encouragement, comfort, and healing.
