The gentle power that touches the heart

There is one day every month that patients in the psychiatric ward of Shatin Hospital (SH) particularly look forward to. Because a special group of ‘doctors’ is about to visit. Although they do not prescribe medicine or perform surgery, they possess the most magical healing talent – using their warm bodies and gentle cuddles to heal patients. They are the doctor pets.

For more than ten years, SH has invited doctor pets to visit the psychiatric ward every month. For the patients, their visit is the warmest anticipation in their ordinary days. The ‘doctors’ bounce in the hospital ward. Lead by their owners, they ‘introduce’ themselves one by one by stepping forward to greet the patients. Some wag their tails happily, some are dressed up, and some are clever and know how to perform on their owner’s command.

Build a bridge between staff and patients

Ward manager of the psychiatric ward at SH, Lam Wing-man says that Animal Assisted Activity plays a very important role in mental recovery. “The most direct function of doctor pets is to support the patients’ emotions. They do not judge the patients. They just purely give companionship. This unconditional acceptance is very helpful for patients who are emotionally distressed.”

Animals can also help patients break down barriers and build trust. Lam shares, “some patients may be resistant to contact with people, but they are more likely to relax when faced with animals. Playing and talking with them not only increases the patients’ social interaction, but also enhances their motivation for treatment.” He continues, “the animal visits open a door of communication for medical staff. When we want to show concern for a patient, we can start with the visiting experience. Through these lighthearted topics, we can understand the patient’s emotional reactions and step by step walk into their inner world.”

Rigorous qualification process as a doctor pet

But it turns out that becoming a doctor pet is by no means easy. Every candidate must pass rigorous tests, undergo physical and psychological health assessments, and temperament tests. The owner must also demonstrate control over the animal. After passing the exam, they also need to complete six internship visits with their owner before they can officially ‘graduate’ and register as a doctor.

The smooth running of the Animal Assisted Activity over the years is due to the selfless dedication of the volunteers and doctor pets. When the volunteers see the long-lost, bright smiles on the patients’ faces as they interact with the animals in the hospital ward, they all say, “it is all worth it.” This selfless persistence and love allow the visits of the doctor pets to bring warmth and laughter to the hospital, and once again prove that care and healing can have infinite possibilities.