CHOA's first-ever facility dog retires after 9 years of service

Image 1 of 7

The first-ever facility dog at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta has retired after more than nine years of service. 

Casper began his career at CHOA in September 2009 as the first four-legged employee, and over the years he's helped improve the lives of countless patients as well as employees at Scottish Rite. 

Casper will spend his retirement with his best friend and handler, Lisa Kinsel, who is also retiring after 28 years of service to Children's. 

"I'm his touchstone," Kinsel said. "And he's mine." 

The hospital said Casper is leaving behind a legacy at Children's which now has 16 working facility dogs in the Children's Canines For Kids program. The dogs help make patients, families, and employees feel loved and supported during often stressful times. 

Last month, a special retirement party was held in Casper's honor. 

Casper is from Canine Assistants in Milton, which is the same non-profit organization FOX 5's Max is from. FOX 5 partnered with Canine Assistants to help teach Max to become a service dog for a woman with epilepsy. The two were paired last June. 

MORE: Max becomes service dog