Pets bring huge pleasure to patients.. in more ways than one

Many long stay patients miss, desperately, their beloved pets.  Although it may not be appropriate to bring them onto the ward,  it is often possible to wheel the patients into a corridor or outside so that they can be reunited with their favourite animal.  Obviously the 'pet' needs to be well-behaved!

We brought my mother's small dog to the corridor of my mother's hospital.  My mother's face lit up as the small animal leapt into her arms.  Instinctively my mother used her weak arm to stroke her (she is always reluctant to the arm exercises prescribed by the physiotherapists).  Her dog was extraordinary.  She cleared sensed my mother's limitations and refused to leave her side throughout her short visit. 

The benefits were many.  Firstly my mother and her pet  loved the chance to be reunited.  Secondly, stroking and holding the animal enabled my mother to have arm strengthening exercises without realising it.  Thirdly, the sight of a delightful small dog in the corridor drew people towards my mother and she suddenly became the centre of attention as patients visitors and staff came across to meet her dog and talk to her. 

The event lifted her mood and my mother remained cheerful for hours after the dog had left.  'Dibs' is now a regular visitor to the hospital, giving pleasure not just to my mother, but to many of the patients, relatives and medical staff.

Jill

Please check the hospital policy on 'pet' visits. However, if they refuse, ask why they do and guide them to this site or other sites which list the benefits.