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The DOGS Victoria Therapy Dogs have traditionally visited residents in aged care homes. The benefit of having these dogs visit is undeniable and program organiser Nicky Abell wanted to share those benefits with even more people and is currently working hard to expand the reach of the Therapy Dog Program.
One of the first dogs to step into a non-aged care role is Wellington the Collie (Rough). He has been spending his volunteer time visiting patients at the Southern Health Cranbourne Integrated Care Centre Dialysis Unit. These patients must undergo dialysis three times each week, hooked up to a machine for several hours at a time.
“When Wellie walked up to each bed the patient’s face would just light up and they would use their free arm to give him a pat,” said handler Karen Benson. “In some cases when they seemed quite happy to have him around we asked him to jump up and put his front paws up on the arm of the bed so they could give him more of a cuddle. He was very obliging as he loves the attention. Some patients told the nurses they wanted to know ahead of time when the next ‘doggy day’ would be so they could remember to bring some treats for him and they all know him by name now.”
Therapy Dogs will continue to visit aged care facilities while including hospitals and other institutions as they grow in future. If you would like to arrange a DOGS Victoria therapy dog visit or if you and your dog would like to join Therapy Dogs as volunteers, please contact Nicky Abell on 9889 4415.
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