Dog Patrols Bring Calm and Safety to Children’s Hospital
Lux and Pax, two German shepherds, patrol the halls of Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital with their handlers. Their mission? To keep everyone safe and calm.
A Friendly Face for Nervous Patients
When the dogs arrive, patients who are anxious find a friendly companion to focus on. The presence of Lux and Pax instantly eases tension, turning stressful moments into calm interactions.
Dogs with a Sixth Sense
Beyond their charm, these canines are trained to sniff out dangerous items that humans might miss:
- Firearms – guns and bullets
- Hazardous chemicals – cleaning agents that could be weaponized
- Explosives
Their noses are estimated to be about 100,000 times more powerful than a human’s, giving them an edge in detecting threats.
From Texas to Lake: The Origin Story
The idea was sparked by Eric Clay, a former security manager at a large Texas hospital. Observing the effectiveness of K‑9 teams there, he wanted to bring that same level of protection to his new team at Our Lady of the Lake.
Handlers Who Make It Work
- Joshua Hilliard – New to K‑9 work, he’s learning how to feed, train, and bond with Lux.
- Richard Borneman – With a background in nuclear security, he’s just begun working with Pax.
Both handlers collaborate closely with their dogs to maintain readiness and trust on the job.
Living Together
Lux and Pax live full‑time with their handlers. Even when traveling, they sleep in specially designed compartments of the security vans, ensuring comfort and readiness.
A Model for Other Hospitals
The program has attracted attention from other healthcare facilities eager to adopt their own K‑9 teams. Lux and Pax’s ability to move throughout the entire health system provides a sense of security for staff, patients, and visitors alike.
The Bottom Line
Lux and Pax demonstrate how animals can play a vital role in human safety while simultaneously reducing stress for those receiving medical care. Their partnership with dedicated handlers showcases a powerful blend of technology, training, and companionship.
