“It is genuinely lovely to see the effect on both patients and staff - his visits lift the whole department and create moments of connection, comfort and conversation that stay long after he has trotted out the door,” according to Stephen Coyne, Radiation Oncology Services Manager at University Hospital Galway (UHG) describing the impact that Irish Therapy Dog Khai is having since his debut visit in recent weeks.
A weekly visitor, Khai has been warmly welcomed by patients and staff at the Radiation Oncology Centre at UHG. Patients in particular have described Khai’s visits as uplifting and heartening during what can be a challenging time.
Khai’s owner and handler Áine Ní Fhlaithearta explains how the impact of his visits is felt as soon as they arrive: “From the moment we walk through the door, you can feel the atmosphere change. There is something incredibly powerful about the comfort Khai brings without saying a single word. If he can provide even a few moments of comfort, distraction or happiness to someone during a difficult day, then that is very special.”
Khai and Áine are members of Irish Therapy Dogs, which provides comfort and companionship through therapeutic dog visits to hospitals, nursing homes, disability centres, and special schools throughout Ireland.
Stephen further explains how Khai’s impact was immediate: “Radiotherapy treatment can be an anxious experience for many patients, and from the moment Khai arrived, there was an immediate sense of calm and positivity throughout the unit.
“People who may have been quietly sitting on their own in the waiting area suddenly begin interacting with Khai, and before long those conversations continue naturally between patients themselves.”
While Khai may be charming, he is also highly professional. It is understood by all that hygiene is essential in a clinical setting. Every visit is carefully managed to ensure the highest standards of hygiene, safety and infection prevention are maintained, with clean paws an essential part of his routine before beginning his rounds.
Even though it is only weeks since his first visit, Khai has become an unexpected but treasured companion, reminding everyone that healing is not only about medicine and machines, but also about moments of kindness, companionship and connection.