My dog’s just the tonic for hospital patients
It was good to see Dr Max Pemberton give such a positive mention to Pets as therapy (Mail). My dog Casper and I visit a small hospital — a sort of halfway house for mainly elderly folk leaving the big hospital in Plymouth — which still has various clinics and an a&E department. we also visit a nursing home and a respite centre for children with a variety of disabilities. Despite what some people say — usually those higher up the chain of command — we do make a difference. I can take Casper onto a ward where everyone is lying in their own little world — sometimes with visitors, sadly often without — and the change is instant. People smile and sit up, and by the time we’ve walked round and chatted to everyone, the whole ward is talking. I’ve heard people say we’re the best thing that’s happened since they had to go into hospital. when a nurse tells me that seeing Casper was the first time a patient had smiled, I realise that pets can do what people can’t. I’ve had people who refuse to communicate with their nurses or with me, but who will talk to my dog. that surely can’t be bad. It doesn’t happen overnight, nor is everyone pleased to see us. I’ve had someone say it’s disgusting taking a dog into the place where people sleep — but such types are a tiny majority. One person who refused to go near my dog because she was scared and ‘doesn’t like dogs’ now strokes him and says he’s one of her best friends. It’s really great (though it took nine months). then there’s a disabled child who showed no interest in anything else at all, but started to play and laugh with Casper. when that happens, it’s like winning the Lottery (not that I’ve ever won it). If people keep telling others how much pets can help them with their recovery, that can only be good. PENNY KNIGHT and CASPER,
Callington, Cornwall.