Puppy love goes virtual

Not everything is on “paws” during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Complex Care Program at Parkwood Institute, pet therapy has played a vital role in helping patients heal on their health care journey.

With visitor restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, staff found a way to keep the popular program going by providing pet therapy virtually through the use of FaceTime.

Spearheaded by therapeutic recreation specialist Judy Beitz, patients are still enjoying their weekly routine through virtual visits with their favourite St. John Ambulance therapy dogs, which provide a sense of normalcy, comfort and excitement to their week.

“We are in a time where family can’t come in and it’s tough for them,” says Judy. “We are doing our best to ensure they have contact with the outside world.”

In addition to comforts, pet therapy has also been proven to lower anxiety levels and blood pressure – among other health benefits.

Tracey Silverthorn, a volunteer and pug handler with St. John Ambulance, helps facilitate the virtual pet sessions with her two beloved pugs, Igor and Zombie.

“It brings a lot of joy and creates a way for patients to still have an interaction with their favourite pet therapy dog,” says Tracey. “As patients are used to the dogs sitting in their laps, we have been adding in a few extra tricks and snacks for the dogs – to keep all entertained.”

For Marie Breau, a patient in the Complex Care Program, the visits bring a little extra cheer during this difficult time. Marie also has virtual visits with her family, but has missed her furry little visitors.

Marie Breau, a patient at St. Joseph's Parkwood Institute, engages in a virtual pet therapy session with her favourite St. John Ambulance dog. Pet therapy is animal-assisted therapy that uses dogs or other animals to help individuals recover from or better cope with health problems, including those with complex care needs.

“I feel good after I have a visit,” says Marie Breau. “It makes me feel closer to my dog, Holly, who I also get to see when I Skype with my family. It just makes me feel better.”

Despite physical distancing in place, Tracey adds that “it doesn’t stop the pugs from licking the iPad screen” as a way to give slobbery kisses to the much-loved patients at St. Joseph’s.

Igor and Zombie, therapy dogs with the St. John Ambulance program, gear up for a virtual visit with patients at Parkwood Institute.