A patient’s best friend Scout the therapy dog
He is arguably the most popular staff member roaming the halls at the West 5th campus. Part of his appeal is the way he makes time for everyone. He’s never too busy for a comforting cuddle and wag of his tail. He is Scout, a 150-pound Leonberger, who brings a smile to the faces of patients and staff alike.
He is a true working dog. His expertise is ‘pet therapy’ and he is part of the Paws for Wellness program in the Forensic Psychiatry program at St. Joe’s.
The value of this form of therapy is well documented. Regular interaction with pets can help improve social, emotional and cognitive functioning, and enhance overall wellbeing.
During the pandemic, agencies that provided the routine pet visits to the hospital were put on hold. The loss of these four-legged friends for over two years was almost palpable. Program leaders, in collaboration with senior recreation therapist, Ashley Palmer, began investigating the possibility of acquiring their own dog. And so began the onboarding of Scout.
He was donated by an area breeder to the forensic psychiatry program. His training, veterinary bills, food and any other associated costs are covered by donations from St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation.
“By all accounts, Scout is the first ‘dog in residence’ in the country,” says Dr. Gary Chaimowitz, who heads the forensic program.
Scout’s workday is a standard 9 to 5. During his off hours, he lives with his handler, Ashley Palmer, a senior recreation therapist in the forensic psychiatry program.
“Scout at work is very different than the puppy at home,” says Palmer. “He’s boisterous and playful with my family. At the hospital, he is very placid and seems to intuit the needs of the people he is around.”
Although Scout belongs to the forensic psychiatry program, he visits other areas across the hospital, to help elicit positive emotion and prosocial behaviours, while promoting overall wellness and recovery. He brings comfort to patients who feel lonely or isolated from their loved ones while in hospital. His presence on any unit can help restore a sense of calm.
And that’s not just a benefit to patients. Research is underway to measure the effects on staff.
“We are conducting a study to see if daily dog therapy lessens anxiety and boosts quality of life in the workplace,” says Chaimowitz.
Scout also helps patients with skill development, running the young pup through his training commands, and rewarding him for tricks. And there is great joy for everyone during a courtyard game of fetch.
“Some of our patients are missing their own family pet, and Scout helps to ease that separation and promote normalcy,” says Palmer.
He may be the first ‘dog in residence’ at St. Joe’s, but other programs are closely eyeing Scout’s impact on patients. This Leonberger could become the leader of a pack.