DOGS’ LOVE BRINGS HEALING TO CANCER PATIENTS

A rare form of healing has taken root in the radiotherapy unit at Johannesburg’s Netcare Olivedale Hospital, where therapy dogs are doing more than hospital rounds by transforming the essence of patient care and bringing joy to patients living with cancer.

“These unconventional therapists, with their wagging tails and gentle spirits, provide a unique sense of comfort, joy, and warmth to patients in ways that no conventional treatment can,” said Dr. Julie Herold, Netcare’s Cancer Care quality manager.

Orlando, a beautiful Golden Retriever, and his charming colleague Honey, a Labrador, are therapy dogs dedicated to bringing comfort. Prioritizing patients’ health and safety, the dogs are fully vaccinated, impeccably clean and groomed, and dressed in their “TOP Dogs” uniforms. They visit the radiotherapy unit at Netcare Olivedale Hospital on the first Monday of every month, providing tender loving care and a morale boost to patients undergoing radiation treatment for cancer.

Dr. Julie Herold noted that the presence of therapy dogs in radiotherapy units aligns with a growing trend in the healthcare industry, where they play a crucial role. She added that their ultimate goal is to extend the benefits of animal therapy to all their radiotherapy units, enhancing patient care and well-being.

“Research shows that therapy dogs can physically lower blood pressure, increase beneficial hormones, and reduce stress hormones. However, the real benefit is psychological, as therapy dogs help relieve stress and alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression,” she explained.

Dr. Julie Herold added that interacting with the dogs gives patients a sense of normalcy and provides them with unconditional love and affection during their radiotherapy treatments.

The interaction with the dogs is also meaningful and impactful for the staff, who thoroughly enjoy their presence.

The comforting effects of animals have been recognized for years, with Florence Nightingale once recommending a small pet as “a good companion for the sick.”

A growing body of research supports this, showing that animals can significantly aid in the healing process, especially for patients facing long therapeutic journeys.

Nancy Tshishimbi, the radiation therapy unit manager at Netcare Olivedale, has observed a positive difference in patients since the TOP Dogs program was introduced earlier this year.

“Introducing therapy dogs into our radiation unit has transformed the experience, opening up a whole new world for patients. You can see their eyes light up with joy when they see the four-legged therapists.”

The dogs are exceptionally well-behaved and gentle, and the improvement in patient morale is evident.

“These dogs bring a sense of calm and happiness that traditional treatments alone cannot provide,” said Tshishimbi.

Wendy Carter of TOP Dogs noted that the therapy dogs all have exceptional temperaments and are continuously assessed.

“These dogs must be calm, gentle, and responsive to the needs of individuals experiencing physical and emotional stress,” she said.

TOP Dogs recruits members from the public who volunteer with their pets, forming human-dog teams. A critical factor in the selection process is that the dogs already exhibit confidence and calmness around other dogs, people, and unusual surroundings.

“At TOP Dogs, we often say therapy dogs are born, not bred,” Carter remarked.

“Patients can choose whether to interact with the dogs. Depending on their needs, the dogs may place their paws on the patient’s arm or hand, or rest their head on the patient’s lap. Some of the dogs will even ‘speak’ on command,” Carter explained.

Before each visit, the dogs are thoroughly cleaned. As they enter the reception area of the radiotherapy unit through a separate entrance, their paws are sanitized to remove any dust they may have picked up in the car park.

“We have positively impacted the lives of hundreds of people in need, and our greatest wish is to continue enhancing the lives of individuals of all ages and health stages,” Carter added.