From BZ/dpa
One of the most popular employees at the Sana Klinikum in Berlin-Lichtenberg has black and white fur, a blue scarf and an irresistible look: therapy dog Lewis-Oskar.
For the past seven years, the Border Collie has accompanied his master, Eric Hilf, the chief physician in acute geriatrics, at work every day. “We work less with technology and a lot with empathy,” Hilf said at an information event about therapy dogs on Wednesday on the clinic grounds. Lewis-Oskar is therefore a great asset when working with old people. “He opens hearts.”
Therapy dog Lewis-Oskar with his master Eric Hilf, head of geriatrics, and Johanne Spieker, resident Photo: dpa
Trained in the hospital
The Border Collie came to the hospital as a puppy and was trained there for two years to become a therapy dog. Since then, he has accompanied help on rounds, is present at group therapy sessions and sometimes even goes to play sticks with a patient. The patients on the ward are all very old and are usually very disabled. Lewis-Oskar helps him to get access to them and to spread a good mood, according to the doctor.
“May I pet him?” asks an elderly lady during a group therapy session with Lewis-Oskar. She is allowed and smiles as she strokes the animal’s head. Seven patients sit in a circle of chairs and hand out treats to the dog – but only after the border collie has successfully made room or given its paw.
“Can he take that many treats?” asks a patient and laughs. Not only does the animal bring joy to the patients, but his dog also enjoys being challenged, says Hilf.
Therapy dog Lewis-Oskar gets a treat from a patient
So far, Lewis-Oskar is the only dog in the Lichtenberg hospital that is on the ward every day. In their own words, Hilf would like animal-assisted therapy to be used more frequently.
According to him, 50 participants, including dog school staff, therapists and doctors as well as 20 dogs, came to the information event on Wednesday. In addition to Hilf, other experts spoke about the requirements for therapy dogs in the clinical environment.