By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Watch LIVE
Listen LIVE
SuperTalk Mississippi st logo
  • Tune In
    • Listen Live
    • Watch Live
    • Network Schedule
    • On Demand
    • Podcasts
    • Video Center
    • Connect
  • Stations
    • News/Talk
    • Music
  • Shows
    • Mornings with Richard Cross
    • MidDays with Gerard Gibert
    • Good Things with Rebecca Turner
    • SportsTalk Mississippi
    • In A Mississippi Minute with Steve Azar
    • SuperTalk Outdoors with Ricky Mathews
    • The Ricky Mathews Show
    • The Garden Mama Show
    • The Handyman Show
    • Thunder & Lightning
    • Eagle Hour
    • The Richard Schwartz Show
    • The Lars Larson Show
    • America at Night with Rich Valde
    • Coast to Coast with George Noory
    • Americas Roundtable
    • Crusader Talk
    • The Guy Benson Show
    • Fox Across America with Jimmy Failla
    • Element Wealth
  • News
    • Latest News
    • Featured News
    • Politics
    • Lifestyle
    • Crime
    • Opinion
    • Agrinews
  • Sports
    • Mississippi State
    • Ole Miss
    • Southern Miss
    • Jackson State
    • High School
    • More Schools
  • Weather
  • Networks
  • About
    • Our Story
    • Our Staff
    • Public Files
    • Contests
    • Affiliates
    • Jobs
  • Advertise
  • Contact
Reading: Hollywood brings smiles to patients as Children’s of Mississippi’s first facility dog
Watch LIVE
Listen LIVE
SuperTalk Mississippi st logo
  • Tune In
    • Listen Live
    • Watch Live
    • Network Schedule
    • On Demand
    • Podcasts
    • Video Center
    • Connect
  • Stations
    • News/Talk
    • Music
  • Shows
    • Mornings with Richard Cross
    • MidDays with Gerard Gibert
    • Good Things with Rebecca Turner
    • SportsTalk Mississippi
    • In A Mississippi Minute with Steve Azar
    • SuperTalk Outdoors with Ricky Mathews
    • The Ricky Mathews Show
    • The Garden Mama Show
    • The Handyman Show
    • Thunder & Lightning
    • Eagle Hour
    • The Richard Schwartz Show
    • The Lars Larson Show
    • America at Night with Rich Valde
    • Coast to Coast with George Noory
    • Americas Roundtable
    • Crusader Talk
    • The Guy Benson Show
    • Fox Across America with Jimmy Failla
    • Element Wealth
  • News
    • Latest News
    • Featured News
    • Politics
    • Lifestyle
    • Crime
    • Opinion
    • Agrinews
  • Sports
    • Mississippi State
    • Ole Miss
    • Southern Miss
    • Jackson State
    • High School
    • More Schools
  • Weather
  • Networks
  • About
    • Our Story
    • Our Staff
    • Public Files
    • Contests
    • Affiliates
    • Jobs
  • Advertise
  • Contact
Reading: Hollywood brings smiles to patients as Children’s of Mississippi’s first facility dog
Search
  • Tune In
    • Listen Live
    • Watch Live
    • Network Schedule
    • On Demand
    • Podcasts
    • Video Center
    • Connect
  • Stations
    • News/Talk
    • Music
  • Shows
    • Mornings with Richard Cross
    • MidDays with Gerard Gibert
    • Good Things with Rebecca Turner
    • SportsTalk Mississippi
    • In A Mississippi Minute with Steve Azar
    • SuperTalk Outdoors with Ricky Mathews
    • The Ricky Mathews Show
    • The Garden Mama Show
    • The Handyman Show
    • Thunder & Lightning
    • Eagle Hour
    • The Richard Schwartz Show
    • The Lars Larson Show
    • America at Night with Rich Valde
    • Coast to Coast with George Noory
    • Americas Roundtable
    • Crusader Talk
    • The Guy Benson Show
    • Fox Across America with Jimmy Failla
    • Element Wealth
  • News
    • Latest News
    • Featured News
    • Politics
    • Lifestyle
    • Crime
    • Opinion
    • Agrinews
  • Sports
    • Mississippi State
    • Ole Miss
    • Southern Miss
    • Jackson State
    • High School
    • More Schools
  • Weather
  • Networks
  • About
    • Our Story
    • Our Staff
    • Public Files
    • Contests
    • Affiliates
    • Jobs
  • Advertise
  • Contact
Follow US
Featured NewsLatest NewsLifestyle

Hollywood brings smiles to patients as Children’s of Mississippi’s first facility dog

Caleb Salers
By Caleb Salers October 18, 2024
Share
4 Min Read
Hollywood dog
Photo courtesy of the University of Mississippi Medical Center
SHARE

Children’s of Mississippi has welcomed an adorable furry friend as the hospital’s first facility dog.

Hollywood, a 67-pound male golden retriever, is embarking on a journey to bring joy and comfort to patients. Born and educated at Canine Assistants in Milton, Ga., Hollywood has been on the job at the state’s only children’s hospital since September 24.

According to a press release from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, the newest Children’s of Mississippi team member can help stabilize blood pressure and reduce anxiety, pain, and fear.

“Hollywood isn’t just a dog – he’s a vital part of our Child Life team,” said Cara Williams, child life manager and Hollywood’s handler “He truly is the best dog. His demeanor is so calm, and the way he loves patients, families, and staff is something that can’t be replicated. He is so gentle and truly wants to be with people. He loves a good belly rub and will lean all the way in for a pet.”

Williams further added that Hollywood’s bedside manner can sometimes be the best form of medication for patients and their families.

“Hollywood meets patients where they are. He doesn’t expect anything from them and simply loves them,” the golden retriever’s handler said. “He allows them to be distracted from whatever is happening and gives them a sense of normalcy.”

Hollywood Dog
Photo courtesy of the University of Mississippi Medical

Hospital facility dogs like Hollywood are similar to therapy dogs, experts say, but have the skills to react to the emotions of patients and their families and bring them a sense of calm. These dogs work with handlers throughout the day and go home with them at night.

Hollywood gets his name from the Hollywood Bowl since his litter’s naming inspiration was iconic music venues. His litter mates are named Fillmore, Red, Radio, Sydney, Bluebird, and Opry.

Before heading to the children’s hospital for a day of hospitality, Hollywood starts things off with a walk or a backyard game of fetch before breakfast. He then is brushed and takes a nap before it’s time to put smiles on the faces of young people and their families.

Once in the workplace, the friendly canine is sure to greet staff and patients as he heads up to his handler’s office. From there, Williams makes note of those who would benefit greatest from Hollywood’s warm presence.

“Having Hollywood simply adds an extra layer of goodness,” Williams said. “Everyone he meets or even just walks by smiles a little bigger. The reactions are priceless and have only been positive. Animals can reach people in a way that sometimes staff can’t. The experience here at Children’s will continue to be brighter with Hollywood here.”

Patients and their parents have especially raved about Hollywood, adding that the service dog brings about an air of glee to hospital stays and grueling recovery exercises that would otherwise be dreadful.

Copyright 2025 SuperTalk Mississippi Media. All rights reserved.

Featured NewsLatest NewsLifestyle

Stay informed.

Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Avatar photo
By Caleb Salers
Follow:
Caleb Salers is a multimedia journalist for SuperTalk Mississippi News. As a lifelong Jacksonian, Caleb has deep roots in Mississippi and a vested interest in the Magnolia State. Prior to joining the news team, Caleb served as a podcast host. In his spare time, you will find Caleb watching sports, cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Memphis Grizzlies. For inquiries or story tips, email [email protected].

Stay Connected

19kFollowersLike
12.3kFollowersFollow

Latest News

Marion County prison guard arrested for allegedly smuggling contraband
May 23, 2025
CBSB: Southern Miss lands in Sun Belt semis with run-rule win over Old Dominion
May 23, 2025
Memorial Day weekend grilling tips from NFPA
May 23, 2025
Mississippi Highway Patrol
Heightened presence of troopers to patrol roadways through Memorial Day weekend
May 23, 2025
Stethoscope
Partnership between Ole Miss, state health department aims to lower syphilis cases
May 23, 2025

Always Stay Up to Date

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

News / Talk Stations

  • Corinth :: 94.3
  • Delta :: 96.9
  • Golden Triangle :: 100.9
  • Hattiesburg :: 97.3
  • Jackson :: 97.3
  • Laurel :: 99.3
  • Meridian :: 103.3
  • MS Gulf Coast :: 103.1
  • North MS :: 93.7
  • Pike County :: 93.5
  • Southwest MS :: 102.1
  • Tupelo :: 101.9
  • Corinth :: 94.3
  • Delta :: 96.9
  • Golden Triangle :: 100.9
  • Hattiesburg :: 97.3
  • Jackson :: 97.3
  • Laurel :: 99.3
  • Meridian :: 103.3
  • MS Gulf Coast :: 103.1
  • North MS :: 93.7
  • Pike County :: 93.5
  • Southwest MS :: 102.1
  • Tupelo :: 101.9

Music Stations

  • 92.9 Corinth’s Best Country
  • Mix 95.9
  • Q105
  • Max 99
  • Lazer 96.1
  • G-92.9
  • G-103.3 The Delta
  • 97.9 CPR Rocks
  • 105.9 The Monkey
  • G-96.7 Gulf Coast
  • 92.9 Corinth’s Best Country
  • Mix 95.9
  • Q105
  • Max 99
  • Lazer 96.1
  • G-92.9
  • G-103.3 The Delta
  • 97.9 CPR Rocks
  • 105.9 The Monkey
  • G-96.7 Gulf Coast

Shows

  • Mornings with Richard Cross
  • MidDays with Gerard Gibert
  • Good Things with Rebecca Turner
  • SportsTalk Mississippi
  • In A Mississippi Minute with Steve Azar
  • Outdoors with Ricky Mathews
  • The Ricky Mathews Show
  • The Garden Mama
  • The Handyman Show
  • Thunder & Lightning
  • Eagle Hour
  • Richard Schwartz Legal Power Hour
  • The Lars Larson Show
  • America at Night with Rich Valdez
  • Coast to Coast with George Noory
  • Americas Roundtable
  • Crusader Talk
  • The Guy Benson Show
  • Fox Across America with Jimmy Fallia
  • Element Wealth
  • Mornings with Richard Cross
  • MidDays with Gerard Gibert
  • Good Things with Rebecca Turner
  • SportsTalk Mississippi
  • In A Mississippi Minute with Steve Azar
  • Outdoors with Ricky Mathews
  • The Ricky Mathews Show
  • The Garden Mama
  • The Handyman Show
  • Thunder & Lightning
  • Eagle Hour
  • Richard Schwartz Legal Power Hour
  • The Lars Larson Show
  • America at Night with Rich Valdez
  • Coast to Coast with George Noory
  • Americas Roundtable
  • Crusader Talk
  • The Guy Benson Show
  • Fox Across America with Jimmy Fallia
  • Element Wealth

News

  • Latest News
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Agriculture
  • Lifestyle
  • Opinion
  • Latest News
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Agriculture
  • Lifestyle
  • Opinion

About

  • Our Story
  • Our Staff
  • Public Files
  • Advertise
  • Networks
  • Connect
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Our Story
  • Our Staff
  • Public Files
  • Advertise
  • Networks
  • Connect
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
ST logo

SuperTalk Mississippi Media is Mississippi’s leader in news, politics, sports, music, and all things Mississippi. With four statewide radio networks, 12 talk stations, 16 music stations, SuperTalk TV, and over 50 affiliates, SuperTalk Mississippi Media covers every inch of the state.

Contact us: [email protected]
nab
© 2020 - 2025 SuperTalk Mississippi Media. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?