Patient Lesley Imber with Golden Retriever Angel and owner Mary Tuohey
Each week, four-legged visitors brighten up the days of cancer patients at the Bendigo Hospital.
Therapy dogs have been used in the hospital for a number of years, but in January were introduced to cancer patients.
The volunteer dogs, provided through the Delta Society’s dog therapy program, help normalise a patient’s admission to hospital.
"The dogs provide a little bit of joy for people who are having some difficult times," said, Bendigo Health Cancer Centre manager Narelle McPhee.
Long-time volunteer Mary Tuohey said the visit bring "joy and happiness" to those in stressful situations.
"If you're having IV therapy, or something like that, the dog provides a welcome distraction," she said.
Each week two dogs visit four seperate wards at the Bendigo Hospital, including the cancer centre, a rehabiliation ward and two mental health units.
Delta Society has hundreds of therapy dog teams who visit an estimated 20,000 Australians in hospitals and care facilities every week. There are currently over 850 facilities involved in the program across Australia.
