What has four paws, a wagging tail and a remarkable ability to comfort kids in their hardest moments? Meet Sully, a one-year-old yellow Labrador and the newest member of Pine Rest’s Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health care team. But Sully isn’t just friendly; he’s a working facility dog: highly trained, purpose-driven and already making a meaningful difference for children and families navigating behavioral health crises.
A new kind of care team member
Sully joins the Pine Rest team as part of Priority Pups®, Priority Health’s signature program in partnership with nonprofit Canines for Change. Since launching in 2023, the program has supported more than 13,500 children by placing trained facility dogs in schools across West Michigan.
Now, for the first time, the program has expanded beyond classrooms and into a clinical hospital setting, bringing comfort directly into moments of care.
“This partnership represents meaningful progress in our shared mission to improve the health and well-being of children,” says Nick Gates, president of Priority Health. “Sully will be a source of comfort, connection and healing for kids and families navigating some of their toughest moments.”
Why a dog like Sully matters
For kids experiencing anxiety, trauma or crisis, traditional care alone isn’t always enough.
That’s where Sully comes in.
Research shows therapy dogs can help:
- Lower stress hormones like cortisol
- Improve mood
- Reduce feelings of fear or judgment
- Increase connection and trust
“When a child is in a behavioral health crisis, a sense of safety and connection can make all the difference,” says Dr. Heide Rollings, medical director at Pine Rest’s Pediatric Center. “Sully brings warmth and calm into moments that can otherwise feel overwhelming.”
What else Sully brings
Sully works alongside his handler, recreational therapist Kayla Jeltema, supporting care in ways that are both simple and profound.
You might find him:
- Sitting in on group therapy sessions focused on emotional regulation, mindfulness and self-esteem
- Offering paws-on comfort, whether that’s a calm presence, a gentle lean or deep pressure through his “cuddle” command to support emotional regulation
- Helping ease anxiety during medical moments like blood draws
- Building trust in one-on-one sessions, especially for kids with trauma, depression or anxiety
And the impact is tangible. Groups with Sully see near-perfect attendance, and patients often open up more easily in his presence. As Jeltema puts it: “Sully is able to comfort kids in a different way than people can.”
Small moments, big impact
Sometimes, Sully’s impact shows up in quiet, unforgettable ways. When one young patient needed help transitioning to a new space, Sully walked beside them, literally guiding them forward on a leash, to turn a stressful moment into a manageable one. When another patient experienced loss while in care, Sully offered silent, steady comfort when words weren’t enough. During the center’s move into a new building, his calming presence helped ease anxiety for multiple patients, making a complex day smoother for everyone involved These moments may seem small, but in behavioral health, they can be everything.
A Pup with purpose
Sully’s journey to this role started early. Over the past year, he has trained extensively with nonprofit partner Canines for Change while forming a close bond with his handler. He recently celebrated his first birthday by earning his certification, marking the start of his full-time role at the Pediatric Center.
When he’s off the clock, he’s still very much a dog:
- He loves carrying soccer balls around the yard
- Ice cubes and peanut butter are his favorite treats
- He enjoys playing with his dog and cat siblings
But when he’s working, Sully brings focus, intuition and care to every interaction.
Expanding what healing can look like
The Pine Rest Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health is expected to serve up to 25,000 children each year through inpatient, outpatient and urgent care services dedicated entirely to kids and teens. With Sully on the team, the environment becomes something more than clinical; it becomes approachable, calming and more centered around the humans - and Pups - within it.
Sully is the sixth facility dog serving as part of the Priority Pups® signature program of Priority Health for Good. Learn more about how these dogs are helping kids thrive in school settings at priorityhealth.com/prioritypups.