Super Olivia Saves the Day (and Wins a Place in Our Hearts)

The other day, I brought home a storybook from work called Super Olivia Saves the Day. It’s a small gift given to children who come through GBMC’s Child Protection Program. The book introduces them to Olivia, our new facility dog, a yellow Lab trained to help comfort kids during what can be a very scary time.

The story follows a child who feels anxious about being in a medical setting and how Olivia helps him feel calm and safe. My youngest daughter read it on her own. Then, without any prompting, she sat down and painted Olivia. This masterpiece (well, in my eyes) will be hanging in the CEO office. 

That simple moment really stuck with me. Olivia clearly resonated with her, just as she’s resonating with children at GBMC. Trained by Hero Dogs, Olivia is there for kids who are going through exams, forensic interviews, or ongoing care. She offers what only a dog can... nonjudgmental, unconditional comfort.

Seeing my daughter connect with Olivia reminded me of our own yellow Lab, Darby. Our Darby also provides nonjudgmental, unconditional comfort; however, she isn’t a trained professional like Olivia. We love our Darby to pieces, but she’s all energy and let's just say... not quite as patient as Olivia. Darby gets the zoomies. Olivia, by contrast, can sit quietly with a nervous child and ease their fear just by being there. That’s pretty extraordinary.

Olivia joined GBMC this year as part of our Child Protection Program, led by Sarah Perl, MSN, CRNP A/P, Medical Director. The program provides non-acute medical evaluations when there are concerns about physical abuse, neglect, or other forms of maltreatment, working in close collaboration with Baltimore County Child Protective Services. It’s an incredibly compassionate and skilled team offering trauma-informed care. And Olivia is now an essential part of that work.

Throughout October, we’re inviting the community to support this mission through Paws for Protection, a fundraiser benefiting Olivia and the Child Protection Program. Your contributions help fund everything from expert clinical services to those powerful, quiet moments with Olivia that help a child feel just a little bit safer.

In his book A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog, Dean Koontz wrote, “Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one is a life diminished.” Olivia reminds us just how much comfort one dog can bring and how healing can begin in the unlikeliest ways.

To learn more about the Child Protection Program, visit gbmc.org/child-protection-program. To support Olivia and the team, please consider donating to Paws for Protection.

COMMENTS

 **Binnie Syril Braunstein commented on 10/23/25 at 9:20:**
Super Olivia definitely won my heart. As a matter of fact, I was waiting for a ride this afternoon at GBMC and I believe I saw Olivia and her handler. What a wonderful program! I plan to make a donation. Kudos to all involved.
    **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
    Agree 100%.....thank you for the generosity!
 

**Charmaine DeMcCuttac commented on 10/22/25 at 8:25:**
I think it would be a good idea to have security much more visible in the hospital, including at all the entrances. Also, like other hospitals in the area, I think it would be a good idea to have patients and family members get a bracelet or sticker when they arrive displaying their destination.
    **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
    Thank you for the feedback. The safety of all of you and the hospital is  a top priority for me! Give me a little time to assess the organization, but I can promise you it is very important to me.
 

**Ellen Vargo commented on 10/21/25 at 9:49:**
What a lovely story - thank you so much for sharing.  (and your daughter is adorable!)
    **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
    Thanks….she is a cutie pie!