Therapy dogs across our Monash Health sites are helping bring joy to our patients, their families and our teams.
The stress of being in unfamiliar surroundings and undergoing treatments can negatively impact the wellbeing of our patients. Dog therapy offers a positive distraction, a valuable moment of respite and joy.
When our volunteers and their furry friends arrive for a visit, you instantly feel the lift in energy. Excitement and smiles fill the corridors!
Spending time with a dog can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and release feel good hormones like oxytocin and dopamine. These benefits are particularly significant in the hospital setting, making these visits so special.
Delta Therapy Dogs are one of the devoted volunteer teams who visit us here at Monash Health.
Peggy the groodle is a regular visitor to the Emergency Department at Monash Medical Centre. Peggy’s guardian Rod Daws is a volunteer from Delta Therapy Dogs, and often takes her to visit some of our youngest patients to help calm their nerves.
“When Peggy stops by a bed for a visit, parents will often say that is the first time they have seen their child smile that day. There have been some really touching moments on our visits where Peggy has been a support and distraction to children having challenging days,” said Rod.
At Monash Children’s Hospital, Sadie the golden retriever is also a favourite visitor. Sadie’s guardian, Jo Burnac, is a Midwife at Monash Health and volunteers with Delta Therapy Dogs.
“Families and employees will often stop to show me photos of their pets at home that they are missing. We compare funny stories about our dogs while they have a cuddle with Sadie. She brings a sense of comfort to the ward and an easy way for them to have a conversation about their life outside the hospital,” said Jo.
Thank you to our wonderful volunteers and their cuddly companions for brightening everyone’s days on your special visits.
To find out more about Delta Therapy Dogs, please visit: https://www.deltasociety.com.au/