Teddy the Labradoodle knows how to quash stress with the wage of his tail and a wet kiss — just ask the staff at Red Deer hospital’s emergency department.
Teddy, and his owner and dog handler Sandy Polis, are part of Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre’s pet visitation program.
“Ever since he’s been a puppy, he’s always loved people. As soon as we approach the main doors of the hospital, his tail just starts going. He leads me to the emergency department,” Polis said.
She said nine-year-old Teddy prances into the department, ready to go to work.
“He’s just so happy to be there and I think they’re just as happy to see him.”
Teddy has been part of the hospital’s volunteer program for five years and is one of three dogs who have been visiting staff since September during the pandemic.
Polis said Teddy makes hourly visits two days a week and divides his time between the emergency and diagnostic departments. Right now the two other dog teams have been unable to participate so lately it’s all up to Teddy.
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As a retired Red Deer hospital psychiatric nurse with 35 years experience, Polis said the dogs’ visits provide staff with a welcome, little break.
“They’re able to have something right at their workplace that gives them a chance to have a few moments to de-stress and receive some unconditional love from a dog. They just really seem to enjoy having a dog to visit, and to cuddle with, and get a couple of kisses.
And she appreciates the chance to support staff at the hospital.
“I think we all know they’re working very hard to care for everyone and to be able to give something to them is very heartwarming.”
Teddy will visit with anyone working at the nursing stations, checks in with doctors to say hi, and walks through the halls looking for staff who are open to some furry love.
Right now Teddy can’t interact with patients, but that doesn’t stop him from making them feel special.
“What I’ve done is taught him to sit and to wave his paw. We stand outside rooms and he waves,” Polis said.
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Teddy was certified through the Central Alberta Humane Society’s Canine Visitation Program. It’s up to owners to train their dogs in order to take the test, and dogs must be re-certified every three years.
Polis said Teddy passed the test on his first try.
He has also visited students at Red Deer Polytechnic. Dogs were visiting the counselling services department every Wednesday and the program should be starting back up at the end of the month.
Polis said she wanted an opportunity to give back to the community and Teddy is eager to do his part.
“At home, as soon as I pull out his little volunteer vest, he starts jumping around and you can tell he’s really excited.”
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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