Therapy dogs at Johannesburg’s Netcare Olivedale Hospital bring comfort and joy to cancer patients, transforming their treatment experience with love and kindness.
Johannesburg, South Africa (14 August 2024) – It’s often said that dogs are man’s best friend, and nowhere is that more evident than in the halls of Johannesburg’s Netcare Olivedale Hospital.
These loyal companions, with their wagging tails and gentle eyes, are not just there for walks in the park or playtime at home—they’re there for us when we need them most. In a place where hope and resilience are daily battles, these dogs are offering a special kind of support that’s transforming lives.
For many patients undergoing cancer treatment, the journey can be incredibly daunting. The endless rounds of radiotherapy, the physical toll, and the emotional burden can be overwhelming. But in the radiotherapy unit at Netcare Olivedale Hospital, a rare and beautiful form of healing has taken root, offering patients something beyond the scope of traditional medicine—love, kindness, and the soothing presence of therapy dogs.
These special canines, like Orlando the Golden Retriever and Honey the Labrador, are part of the TOP Dogs programme, a volunteer animal-assisted therapy initiative that brings comfort and joy to patients facing the challenges of cancer. On the first Monday of every month, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., these furry therapists don their ‘TOP Dogs’ uniforms and make their rounds in the hospital, spreading warmth and boosting morale.
Dr Julie Herold, Netcare’s Cancer Care quality manager, speaks to the unique impact these therapy dogs have on patients.
“These unconventional therapists, with their wagging tails and gentle spirits, bring an unparalleled sense of comfort, joy, and warmth to patients in ways that no conventional treatment can,” she says.
It’s a sentiment echoed by patients and staff alike, who have witnessed firsthand the calming and uplifting effects these dogs bring. Research backs up what these individuals already know: the presence of therapy dogs can significantly lower blood pressure, increase beneficial hormones, and decrease stress-related hormones. But perhaps the most profound impact is psychological.
“The interaction with the dogs gives patients some sense of normality and loads of selfless love and affection when coming for their radiotherapy treatment,” Dr Herold adds.
Nancy Tshishimbi, the manager of the radiation therapy unit at Netcare Olivedale, has seen the transformation in her patients since the introduction of the TOP Dogs programme.
“You can see their eyes light up with joy when they see the four-legged therapists,” she says. “These dogs bring a sense of calm and happiness that traditional treatments alone cannot provide.”
Wendy Carter, the TOP Dogs area coordinator for Johannesburg, explains that the selection of therapy dogs is rigorous, ensuring they have the perfect temperament for the job.
“These dogs must be calm, gentle, and responsive to the needs of individuals experiencing physical and emotional stress,” she says. Hygiene is also a top priority, with strict protocols in place to protect the health and safety of patients.
The success of the TOP Dogs programme at Netcare Olivedale Hospital has sparked a broader initiative to bring animal therapy to all Netcare radiotherapy units.
“Our ultimate goal is to extend the benefits of animal therapy to all our radiotherapy units, enhancing patient care and wellbeing,” Dr Herold notes, underscoring the importance of this heartwarming project.
As the therapy dogs continue to make their rounds, they leave behind a trail of smiles, lifted spirits, and a little more light in the hearts of those who need it most. The dogs, with their gentle nuzzles and affectionate licks, remind us all of the simple, yet profound, power of love and kindness.
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