Jack was lapping up loads of attention on Thursday as he did the rounds of the children’s ward at Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.
The ‘in-training’ therapy dog was on his first visit to the ward, although he had previously visited the elderly in Colwyn House. His owner and handler, Dee Tahau from Canine Friends Pet Therapy, said while he was new to the service, the 11-year-old Labrador/poodle cross had been regularly going with her to Ebbett Park School over the last four years.
“He’s really used to children and loves the attention. At school, we’ve seen how much the children like him and trust him.”
For patient Gypsea Kent (11) and her visitor Alex McKie (9) Jack’s visit was a treat. Gypsea is very keen on dogs, having already trained her 8-month-old puppy a bunch of tricks.
Jack was the second Canine Friends dog to have visited the children’s ward. Hospital play specialist Valerie Henare said having a dog visit cheered up children not feeling so well, giving them some joy, comfort and a distraction. “Patting a dog can be wonderful therapy when you’re not feeling the best.”
The children’s ward is not the only hospital department benefiting from doggy distraction. Greyhound Fliss and terrier-cross Jessie visit the Intensive Care Unit, accompanied by their respective owners Andrew Biggs and Katja Williams.
Pictured: Patient Gypsea Kent (11) and her visitor Alex McKie (9) hang out in Gypsea’s room with Jack.
Post your comment
Comments
No one has commented on this page yet.