Ralf has gained a reputation as something of a miracle worker since joining Royal Children's Hospital, in Melbourne, Australia. The selfless pooch walks the wards and looks in on his young patients every Monday. He even sits with some during gruelling chemotherapy therapy sessions.
Ralf got two-year-old Claire Couwenberg to walk for the first time in the five days since her surgery to remove a cancerous kidney. And he brought a smile to 15-month-old Zeke Harrison, who has a rare genetic disorder where his body is unable to break down protein and too much can kill him.
Ralf is one of a handful of dogs to visit the RCH each week in a program that has been boosted so more pooches are popping in on more little patients.
Claire's mother, Marie McPhee, told of her amazement when her daughter stood up and walked of her own accord when Ralf came into the room.
'As soon as she saw him, she stood up, and she very slowly, very wobbly, got on her feet started to walk, and now you can't stop her,' Ms McPhee told the Sydney Herald. 'I'm lost for words. In a way, I can't believe it.'
RCH visiting volunteer program co-ordinator Brenda Kittelty said dogs now visited sick children throughout the week instead of on just one day, and they went to five wards instead of just one.
"The dogs bring normality to children in a abnormal, difficult and stressful situation," she said.
Research had found the relaxing and happy effect of animals improved health and facilitated healing.
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Ralf is one of a handful of dogs to visit the RCH each week in a program that has been boosted so more pooches are popping in on more little patients.
Claire's mother, Marie McPhee, told of her amazement when her daughter stood up and walked of her own accord when Ralf came into the room.
'As soon as she saw him, she stood up, and she very slowly, very wobbly, got on her feet started to walk, and now you can't stop her,' Ms McPhee told the Sydney Herald. 'I'm lost for words. In a way, I can't believe it.'
RCH visiting volunteer program co-ordinator Brenda Kittelty said dogs now visited sick children throughout the week instead of on just one day, and they went to five wards instead of just one.
"The dogs bring normality to children in a abnormal, difficult and stressful situation," she said.
Research had found the relaxing and happy effect of animals improved health and facilitated healing.
via
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