Poppy Marks a Year of Comfort at Boys Town — With Support from Physicians Mutual

Over the past year, Poppy, the Bernedoodle facility dog at Boys Town National Research Hospital, has become a comforting presence for children and families.

“Poppy’s job, when she joined the team, was to help support the work of the child life team by providing support and comfort for children who come to Boys Town Hospital for medical encounters,” said Debbie Wagers, supervisor of the Boys Town National Research Hospital Child Life Program.

As Poppy’s presence has grown throughout the hospital, so has the impact of a partnership that helps support her work. Physicians Mutual understands the joy and comfort Poppy brings and has partnered with Boys Town to provide pet insurance coverage for Poppy, ensuring that she will be given the highest level of care herself should the need ever arise.

Poppy often helps children navigate procedures that can feel overwhelming. Melissa Epley, a child life specialist, recalled a recent experience that highlighted Poppy’s ability to sense what patients need.

“I had Poppy placed on the bed before the procedure, and she was completely calm. And then she moved her head and put it on the kid's chest and stayed calm the whole time,” Epley said. “And it just really made me know that she understands… she really knows and understands what that kid needs at that time.”

That kind of support aligns closely with Boys Town’s commitment to emotional well-being.

“We are very strong believers in emotional safety of children,” Wagers said.

For Physicians Mutual, supporting Poppy reflects a shared mission of helping others. The partnership has also expanded beyond the hospital. Poppy recently attended Physicians Mutual’s Take Your Kid to Work Day, where she was showered with attention from employees and their children.

“Physicians Mutual was founded in 1902, [very near] where Father Flanagan's original home was. And so, we share a rich history, and that commitment to helping others ensures more partnerships and more closeness between Boys Town and Physicians Mutual,” said Bob Gunia, senior vice president of public affairs at Physicians Mutual.