How do disabled therapy dogs help patients at Stagenhoe Park?

Disabled therapy dogs like Ralph and Zoe help patients by creating a unique bond through shared challenges, improving emotional well-being and providing a sense of accomplishment.

What are the specific challenges faced by therapy dogs Ralph and Zoe?

Ralph is deaf and partially blind, while Zoe uses a wheelchair after being hit by a car.

Why are more therapy dogs desperately needed for brain injury units?

There is a high demand for therapy dog visits, and existing dogs are needed to provide comfort and support to many more patients.

Home / Health / Disabled Dogs Bring Joy to Brain Injury Patients

Disabled Dogs Bring Joy to Brain Injury Patients

22 Dec

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Summary

Therapy dogs Ralph and Zoe, both with disabilities, visit a brain injury unit.
Patients connect with the dogs due to their shared challenges.
These therapy dogs significantly boost patients' physical and emotional well-being.

Disabled Dogs Bring Joy to Brain Injury Patients

At a brain injury unit in Hertfordshire, two remarkable therapy dogs, Ralph and Zoe, are bringing comfort and aiding recovery. Ralph, a border collie, is deaf and partially blind, while Zoe, a Poochon, navigates with a wheelchair following a past accident. Their visible disabilities help patients at Stagenhoe Park connect with them on a deeper level.

Volunteer coordinator Fiona Beeming notes the dogs' presence makes a "huge difference." Patients find inspiration and joy, with one, Katie, who suffered a severe brain injury, stating the dogs bring "loyalty and unconditional love." The dogs' visits provide a sense of accomplishment for patients undertaking tasks like feeding them, improving their physical and emotional state.

Fostered by Helen Lomax, these therapy dogs undergo assessments to ensure they are calm and suitable for their roles. The charity running the unit is actively seeking more therapy dogs due to high demand. These animals possess an innate ability to sense human need, offering calm and comfort, and are desperately needed to support more individuals.