The use of dogs for human therapy purposes has proven indispensable, and such therapy programs are yielding excellent results. While dogs serve in different areas of rehabilitation, healing and support, therapy dogs of the Victorian Canine Association, DOGS Victoria, a member of the Australian National Kennel Council, have usually helped with the care of residents in aged care homes. Acknowledging a wider range of the therapy dogs’ potentials, organizers of DOGS Victoria Therapy Dog Group, a group of dog owners formed three years ago to offer their dogs’ services to the elderly, recently introduced dogs to hospital care. They gave Wellington, a Collie and member of the group’s program, the first opportunity to visit hospital patients during their dialysis sessions.
The Southern Health Cranbourne Integrated Care Centre Dialysis Unit in Cranbourne, Victoria, opened its door to Wellington for comforting patients who have to endure dialysis several times a week for hours. Distracting dialysis patients from the tedious treatment and showing them love and affection, Wellington spreads good will and helps relieve patients’ anxiety. While the patients adore their new attendant, enjoying his companionship, petting him and spoiling him with treats, Wellington likes his new calling and relishes all the attention he gets.
For more information about DOGS Victoria, go to: http://www.dogsvictoria.org.au/
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