TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER, Hawaii  –   Nalu, a 2-year-old Labrador retriever, is a full-time Tripler Army Medical Center hospital facility dog. He is present in the Child and Family Behavioral Health Service Clinic, where he works alongside Dr. Kathryn Egan, a child psychiatrist; Trina Jones Artis, a licensed clinical social worker; and Nicole Dorsey, also a licensed clinical social worker. 

Nalu provides a comforting and reassuring environment for young patients and their families. He celebrated his first work anniversary in March 2024. 

"Nalu provides services that include saying hello to kids and families in the hallways, waiting rooms, hospital rooms, and joining therapy sessions," Egan said.

When asked what Nalu's favorite thing to do is, Jones Artis said that Nalu is dedicated to his job and loves everything about it.

And patients at Tripler love Nalu just as much.

"People love him [Nalu] in general,” Egan said.  “When he steps in the room or comes around a corner, folks, light up. They will stop him and ask to visit with him. Nalu can lift his paw and wave hello to patients in the hospital.”

Nalu participates in Child Behavioral Health clinics, attends regular meetings, and enjoys visits from pediatric residents and child psychiatry fellows. 

"Our staff share in the enthusiasm for our hospital facility dog," Egan said. 

He has been instrumental in providing support at the hospital, navigating various areas to offer comfort, While there are numerous requests for his presence, the focus remains on providing support within Pediatrics and Child Behavioral Health. 

"We have witnessed the changes in a patient's demeanor, "Jones Artis said. "If a patient or families are struggling during a hospital stay, the interactions [with Nalu] can turn a family's stay into a positive experience, which is important." 

Jones Artis shared a story about an inconsolable young patient during a visit. Jones Artis brought Nalu, sat down by him, and waited. 

"The dad came to say hello,” Jones Artis said. “The boy came and touched Nalu and stepped back. He touched him again and stepped back. He came and rubbed Nalu. It was a beautiful interaction, and there was no more crying."

Nalu's role has also extended beyond the Child and Family Behavioral Health Service and Pediatric Specialty Clinics. After the devastating fires in Maui, in collaboration with the Assistance Dogs of Hawaii, Nalu returned to the island to support school-age children and first responders, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to his role.

But after a long day, Nalu even needs a break and rest. He can often be found sleeping in Egan’s office.

"He's the only one allowed to snore," Egan joked.