St. Jude Hospital Launches Paws at Play Program with Two Service Dogs

An experienced business leader, William Locantro serves as the principal of Paramount Custom Homes on Long Island, New York, and as the owner of Absolute Electric in New York City. Outside of his professional responsibilities, William Locantro supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a charitable organization for which he has helped to raise more than $300,000.

In keeping with its mission to research, treat, and cure childhood cancers and other medical conditions, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital recently launched Paws at Play, a program to help pediatric patients reach their clinical goals.

Integral in the will be Huckleberry and Puggle, a pair of service dogs who joined St. Jude in September of 2019. The two dogs will complement the work of the Child Life department by visiting four to six patients each day.

Huckleberry and Puggle came to St. Jude from Atlanta nonprofit Canine Assistants, where they underwent specialized training. St. Jude CEO James R. Downing, MD, an early and ardent supporter of Paws at Play, believes the program naturally aligns with the hospital’s goal of providing the best possible experience for children in its care.