Paws for a cause … Jo Randell-McDonald and Holly volunteer at Western Hospital as part of the pet therapy program. 57137 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By Charlene Gatt
JO RANDELL-MCDONALD and her dog Holly are quite the sociable pair.
The Footscray resident and her four-year-old Weimaraner have just started volunteering at Footscray’s Western Hospital, where they visit patients for a chat and, in Holly’s case, a pat.
“I had one old lady burst into tears the other day because she said she missed her dog, and another girl with cancer said it had made her day,” Ms Randell-McDonald said.
“Holly loves it, it keeps her brain busy and it’s good for her obedience.”
Holly is the only dog doing the rounds at part of Western Hospital’s Pet Therapy program.
Judy Russell, who runs the volunteering program at Western Hospital, hopes to introduce more dogs into the mix.
“She has so much response from both the staff and the patients that she has trouble getting to enough wards,” Ms Russell said.
“It’s to offer comfort to patients. Most people relate to pets and it brings a bit of home to the patients.”
The program also runs at the Sunshine Hospital. Dogs must have a Dogs Victoria Therapy Dog Certificate and other accreditation to be eligible for volunteer work.
About 70 people regularly volunteer at Western Hospital, plus another 40 people are involved in auxiliaries.
International Volunteer Day will be celebrated this Sunday. The day aims to recognise the work of volunteers around the world and the difference they make in their communities.
People wishing to inquire about Western Health’s Pet Therapy program can call Jo Spence on 8345 1201.
