For sick kids admitted to Southampton Children’s Hospital, a special team is helping to make medical procedures a little less scary.
Most adults aren’t fond of being poked and prodded; children have an even harder time dealing with scary machines and instruments. To make young patients’ experiences less frightening, a team of trained canines has been put together to assist. The 6 canines that makeup SCH Therapy Dogs have one goal in mind: lifting the spirits of ill children. (1)
The “Dog-tors” Are In To Help Sick Kids
As the golden-furred volunteers make their rounds on the hospital floor, they bring smiles to all who see them. The team is made up of certified therapy dogs: Archie, Quinn, Leo, Hattie, Jessie, and Milo. While their kisses and cuddles are appreciated, the retrievers perform specific tasks to help patients.
For many of the sick kids at SCH, their illnesses require intensive treatments. MRI scans, echocardiograms, ultrasounds, and breathing treatments are just a few of the unfamiliar tasks these children find themselves enduring. To show patients that the procedures aren’t as scary as they seem, the therapy dogs have stepped in to help.
The “dog-tors” handlers began taking pictures and videos of the canines demonstrating various procedures. They then add these to a picture library, which they can show the children before they undergo a procedure. One photo, for example, shows Jessie on his back as he gets an echocardiogram. While he’s demonstrating the procedure, his paw is being held by his handler. These pictures help the kids know what to expect; if the dogs can do it, so can they! (2)
Thankful Parents React
For many parents at SCH, the therapy dog team has been invaluable. In one of many shared encounters on their Instagram page, Leo was highlighted for helping a young patient named Lillian. To help prepare the young girl for her medical procedures, Leo demonstrated how to use a breathing mask and also had his vitals read.
Creating these enjoyable experiences, SCH Therapy Dogs posted, makes it easier for kids needing repeat care. “This is animal-assisted intervention in action,” they wrote, “working alongside the team of healthcare professionals to give patients positive memories.” Lillian’s mom was so grateful to have Leo help her daughter that she reached out to thank the team for the service they provide. (3)
Another mother shared her feedback after Marley visited with her daughter, Hattie. She told SCH Therapy Dogs that Marley’s visit “made [her] feel so good.” Because these sick kids are already going through hard times, they and their families are always grateful for uplifted spirits. (4)
Living Their Best Life
When the team isn’t busy at the hospital, their handlers make sure they enjoy their off time. Whether taking a walk through the woods or heading for a romp at the beach, the pups get plenty of exercise and fun when they’re not working. Their handlers always want to make sure they’re rested and at their best, while still having time to be dogs. (2)
For this group of 6, happiness comes as long as they’re around people. Receiving and giving love is in their blood, truly exemplifying how dogs are man’s best friend.
