There are some new faces making the rounds at FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. They have four legs, impressive ears and a knack for making people smile.
Meet Lux and Pax, the newest members of our Security team.
Lux, a Czechoslovakian shepherd, and Pax, a German shepherd, officially joined the health system in June after completing specialized training with their handlers, K-9 officers Josh Hilliard and Richard Borneman. Together, they’re helping support a safe, welcoming environment for patients, visitors and team members while bringing a little extra tail-wagging joy to the hospital campus.
More Than a Friendly Face
While Lux and Pax are quick to earn compliments and requests for pets, they’re highly trained working dogs with an important role.
The K-9s are trained to detect firearms, ammunition, explosives and solvents commonly associated with weapons. Their specialized skills also make them a visible presence throughout the campus and at community events.
Josh Hilliard says Lux’s work ethic is exactly what makes her such a great fit for the job.
“Shepherds have a high work drive, and that’s exactly what we look for in this environment,” Josh says.
Even as Lux and Pax work like dogs throughout the day, their personality that often surprises people.
“I think the stereotype is that people see the big teeth and hear them bark and assume they’re not friendly,” Josh says. “But Lux is very friendly.”
Winning Hearts Around the Hospital
It doesn’t take long for either dog to become a favorite on campus.
Richard Borneman, Pax’s handler, says his partner has wasted no time fetching the attention of patients, visitors and team members alike.
“He’s very warm and friendly and very well mannered,” Richard says. “The nurses are always trying to give him treats. We have to remind them he can’t have treats while he’s working.”
Children are often just as excited to meet him.
“The kids always come up and ask, ‘Can I pet Pax?’“ Richard says. “I tell them, ‘Absolutely.’ He’s real friendly.”
Whether they’re making their daily rounds or stopping to brighten someone’s day, Lux and Pax have already earned plenty of fans and are quickly becoming the leaders of the pack.
A Reassuring Presence Every Day
The addition of the K-9 team is part of FMOL Health’s ongoing commitment to providing a safe, secure and welcoming environment across our facilities.
Eric Sean Clay, FMOL Health vice president and chief security officer, says the dogs bring much more than specialized detection skills.
“They have a reassuring presence,” he says. “They’re also able to help reduce anxiety for caregivers, patients and children.”
That combination of professionalism and personality makes the K-9 team a natural fit for a healthcare setting.
“We’re focused on increasing the sense of safety across our facilities,” Eric says. “The dogs help create a visible security presence, and we thought they would be a great addition to the team.”
As Lux and Pax settle into their new routines, they’re already proving they’re more than the newest members of Security. They’re loyal teammates, trusted partners and a paw-sitive addition to the FMOL Health family.
