This Hospital Just Hired a K9 Officer—And He’s a Former Army Trainee With a Heart of Gold

Image: CMC

Conway Medical Center (CMC) is paving the way for hospital security by introducing K9 Officer Boyka, a three-year-old Belgian Malinois with a unique set of skills. In case you’re wondering, no, he's not fetching bedpans or taking vitals (though wouldn’t that be something?). Instead, Boyka is part of a groundbreaking initiative to create safer hospital environments, and let’s face it, the guy has credentials that would make anyone’s LinkedIn profile jealous.

From Special Forces to Special Healthcare

Boyka isn’t your average pup. He’s a former U.S. Army Special Forces trainee who had to pivot to civilian work after losing his tail from an injury. But don’t feel bad for him. He’s turned that setback into a comeback, proving that sometimes life’s challenges only make us stronger (or fluffier, in his case). With his calm demeanor and top-notch social skills, Boyka is the perfect addition to a hospital setting, where patients may already be feeling overwhelmed.

Partnered with handler Shon McCluskey, a retired police officer with decades of experience in K9 operations, Boyka underwent a 6-week intensive training program tailored specifically for hospitals. The training covered obedience, protection, and detection, ensuring Boyka could handle everything from crowded hallways to sensitive equipment without so much as a wag out of place. Following weeks of 8-hour training sessions, McClusky explains, “We needed to ensure with Boyka that not only could he do his job, but that he was a safe dog to bring into the hospital environment. We needed to work on environmental and social aspects, attempting to put him in a successful situation upon return.”

The Pup’s Role in Patient and Staff Wellbeing

Aside from being adorable (because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t like dogs?), research shows that trained canines can help reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and bring a sense of calm to stressful environments. Essentially, Boyka isn’t just sniffing out trouble, he’s helping everyone breathe a little easier.

And this isn’t just about making the hospital feel like a cozy pet therapy session. The presence of K9 officers is part of addressing real security concerns. A 2018 survey by the American College of Emergency Physicians revealed that 47 percent of emergency physicians had been physically assaulted at work. That’s a sobering statistic for anyone in healthcare, and Boyka’s dual role as protector and stress-reliever might be exactly what the doctor ordered.

A Model for Safety in Healthcare

CMC’s move to include K9 officers in their security team is a forward-thinking approach to hospital safety, and it might spark a trend. According to CMC leaders, welcoming Boyka puts the hospital ahead of the pack. CMC is now only the second hospital in South Carolina, and the first in the entire region, to bring a K9 officer onto its security team.

As Boyka and McCluskey continue their work with monthly training to stay sharp, their presence highlights the importance of finding new ways to protect both patients and staff without compromising the healing environment.

So if you spot Boyka making his rounds, feel free to give him an appreciative nod. With this four-legged officer on duty, the hospital isn’t just more secure, it’s a brighter place to be.

🤔Nurses, would having a K9 officer in your unit help you feel safer during high-stress shifts? Share your thoughts in the discussion forum below!