The Children’s Physiotherapy Companion Dog Project
The Need
Edmond and Lily Safra’s Children’s Hospital is pioneering an initiative to integrate specially-trained companion dogs into its physiotherapy program for children. These young patients, enduring physiotherapy sessions of up to 45 minutes, face immense physical and emotional hurdles. The introduction of these dogs is set to revolutionize their therapy experience. By actively engaging in the sessions, these dogs will not only offer solace but also play a crucial role in the exercises, thereby enriching the therapy and making strides towards effective rehabilitation. This approach is designed to reduce the emotional burden on the children, transforming their path to recovery into a more positive and companionable experience.
The Project
The project revolves around providing a comforting and engaging atmosphere for children in physiotherapy. The chosen canine companions will join the children in their challenging 45-minute sessions, contributing more than just emotional support; they will be active participants in the therapy process. The journey from selecting to fully training these dogs spans 18 months, as exemplified by Sheba, the first dog to assume this role, trained by Tzlil Meitar to perform in a hospital setting and meet specific patient needs.
Sponsorship for this project encompasses the comprehensive training and upkeep of the therapy dogs. This funding is more than a financial contribution; it’s an investment in a unique approach that merges therapeutic care with the nurturing presence of a canine companion, aiming to enhance both the physical and emotional wellbeing of young patients.
