Birmingham Hospital welcomes first therapy dog to improve patient wellbeing.
A 4-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog, affectionately referred to as a "gentle giant" has just been recruited as the first therapy dog at a hospital in Birmingham.
Ralph has already started his role visiting patients at St Andrew's Healthcare in Stirchley, alongside his owner and volunteer handler, Jo, who signed Ralph up because she wanted to do something to help people and to keep Ralph active.
Ralph, who was named after the lovable Disney character Wreck-It Ralph, is already proving to be a hit with patients, visitors, and colleagues.
“Ralph is like a big cuddly, clumsy bear and having watched Wreck-It Ralph, we thought the name was very fitting. In the film, the character was portrayed as a bit of an accident-prone, lumbering person, because of his size and our Ralph is remarkably similar.” said his owner Jo.
“He has a habit of bumping into the occasional doorframe or piece of furniture. But he’s such an enthusiastic, loveable dog, he seems to bring a smile to everyone’s faces, wherever he goes.”
Research has shown that interacting with therapy dogs can help reduce stress, anxiety and feelings of loneliness, while also boosting mood and encouraging social interaction.
For the patients of St Andrew’s, a charity that specialises in complex mental health, therapy dogs have provided an important service, offering comfort and emotional support.
“I really enjoy walking Winnie,” a patient at St. Andrew’s Healthcare recently said regarding their experience of dog therapy with Winnie the labrador’ “She is so excited to see me, and it puts a big smile on my face. I have built a bond with Winnie like the one I have with my dog.”
“I see the volunteers with their dogs that support us as 'friends' as they treat me and others like a normal person and talk about normal things.” she added.
St. Andrew’s Healthcare Voluntary Services Manager Dawn Wright said: “For patients who may be experiencing uncertainty and anxiety in hospital, a visit from a therapy dog often provides a welcome distraction. Our therapy dogs are so popular, as they help create moments of normality and connection for our patients during what can be a challenging time.
“The benefits extend beyond patients too. Colleagues and visitors can also experience a positive lift in wellbeing from spending time with the therapy dogs. A simple interaction, whether that is a stroke, a cuddle or a friendly greeting, can help reduce stress levels and bring smiles to people's faces. We are very lucky to have them.”
Becoming a therapy dog is a special achievement as it must reflect a dog's temperament, behaviour, and ability to bring comfort to others.
Before becoming a registered therapy dog, dogs undergo a thorough assessment to ensure they are friendly, calm and confident in a variety of environments.
They must be comfortable meeting new people, remain relaxed around unfamiliar noises and situations, and demonstrate a gentle nature when interacting with adults and children alike.
St Andrew’s Healthcare is always looking for more volunteers and their four-legged companions to support its hospitals in Birmingham and Essex.
To find out more about becoming a therapy dog volunteer at St Andrew’s Healthcare, click here.
