Paws pay children’s ward a visit for healing therapy

It is true, dogs are a man’s best friend.

Three Shiloh Shepherd dogs – Dakota, Sabrina and Roxy – visited the Life Robinson Private Hospital recently to interact with some patients for a therapeutic and healing effect. The visit took place during visiting hours at 7pm at the children’s ward as well as the medical and surgical wards.

According the founder of Paws for People, Lesley de Klerk, “The dogs and their handlers are well trained to interact with people. Our mission is to bring together dogs and people in a warm, non-threatening manner, allowing them to interact positively through use of our controlled and friendly approach. We have trained with our dogs and their handlers for many hours, so that they work well and we always ensure that they enjoy what they do.

“Through our visits, we want to dispel any negative beliefs people have about domestic animals and to bring untold joy to young and old alike, through the basic means of a loving and willing dog,” says De Klerk.

According to the hospital’s manager Adri Botes, the visit was much appreciated.

“Our patients welcomed Dakota, Sabrina and Roxy with open arms and couldn’t stop playing with them,” she says.

“They spent a few moments with the patients, which lightened up their faces and made them feel better overall,” says Botes.

Botes adds, “Although the concept of animal therapy is relatively new in South Africa, it has been used in America since the 1960s and has proven to improve patients’ wellbeing while in hospital. We really believe that these dogs have therapeutic effect.

“We enjoyed their visit and we will be inviting them again.”