Inca resumes Animal Assisted Therapy with the dog Hope

Patients and employees of the Pediatrics Section of the José Alencar Gomes da Silva National Cancer Institute (Inca) celebrated the return to work of one of their therapists. Hope, the little dog who helps promote Animal-Assisted Therapy at the institute, resumed activities this month, after nearly two years away, due to the care taken with hospital security during the covid-19 pandemic. Hope will provide weekly care to children and teenagers undergoing cancer treatment, after authorization from the Inca Hospital Infection Control Commission.

Joana Katelin Silva de Souza, mother of little Levi Emanuel, said that he met the dog in 2019, when he entered the Inca for the first time, at the age of one year and three months, for a lymphatic malformation. “He fell in love with Hope and I believe that's the way it is with all children. It has a wonderful benefit for children undergoing treatment; I believe it. It brings joy to the hospital. She's wonderful; is beautiful. It delights everyone, not just the patients, but the parents as well. Her coming, her return, will help the children who are here, who remain and need all this affection, all this support”, said Joana.

Animal-Assisted Therapy was implemented in the Institute's Pediatrics Section in April 2019 and, since then, it has been important in helping patients' emotional development and promoting well-being. Hope is a Golden Retrivier breed and is three years old.

essential actions

Pediatric oncopediatrician Bianca Santana, tutor and responsible for the animal's work at Inca, reported that during the period in which she was away from activities, the dog continued to carry out essential actions to maintain a healthy routine, including daily walks and training classes and physiotherapy sessions in the hydrotreadmill, once a week.

“Besides being very docile, Hope receives specific training for work from the first months of her life. So much effort and care in the creation is rewarded when we observe that her presence helps relieve stress and brings more lightness to the hospital environment”, said Bianca.

Hope's visits follow strict hygiene standards, such as up-to-date vaccination and deworming, and periodic visits to the veterinarian. In addition, before going to the hospital, the little dog takes a bath, cleans her paws and brushes her teeth. The trainer André Donza, who accompanies the animal, also complies with sanitary rules such as presenting proof of the vaccine against covid-19, wearing a N95 mask and, most importantly, avoiding physical contact with patients and employees.

The head of the Pediatrics Section, Sima Ferman, stated that the pet therapy project is a well-designed work and with all the necessary care. "Hope's visit is an enriching and important experience within the comprehensive care strategy for patients," he said.

Text translated using artificial intelligence.