Furry therapists, a joyful presence for all the children in the Hospital
A rainy beginning of summer - what could be sadder? We'll tell you what: being admitted to hospital, where you can only see the world around you through a window. With this thought in mind, we started the celebration a little early and provided the patients at Marie Curie with a great reason for joy and an exciting visit: therapy dogs.
It wasn't easy bringing our furry friends to the new Hospital for children with severe diseases, but once they were there, everyone wanted to know them. On the 30th of May, the Animal-Assisted Therapy and Activities team of the Bucharest Utility Dog Club wiped their paws (because it was raining outside) and got together on the yellow staircase of the new Hospital. We were all excited; it was the first time that we were bringing in dogs for the children admitted and we really wanted this meeting to take place.
Animal-assisted therapy has countless benefits: the presence of dogs significantly reduces the level of pain, anxiety and fear for children admitted, improves their emotional and physical state, contributes to the development of motor, social and cognitiv skills, stimulates their self-confidence and motivation to participate in therapeutic activities.
Just between us, it was no difficulty getting the children close to Betty, Mura and Alice, the furry therapists on-call in the inner garden, one of the play and relaxation spaces in the new Hospital. 
First came the chemotherapy stands, carefully maneuvered by parents or staff, then came the children from the oncology department. They were the first to enjoy the canine company.
It was one of the most impressive activities we've organized for the children in the Hospital. As for the immediate effect of animal therapy, one of the nurses said it best:
“I've never seen him so happy!” she said about the little boy she was accompanying.
If the IV cables tying the children to the chemo stands hadn't hinted to the fight against cancer, I would have thought I was in a playroom instead of a Hospital. The kids made friends with Betty, Alice and Mura, played ball, and gave them treats in exchange for their paw.
The interior garden of the Hospital was full. Even the medical staff of the old hospital made time to see the dogs. The three canines are specially trained, have classes and diplomas attesting their quality as therapy dogs and were accompanied by their masters: Mara Vasilescu & Betty, Cristian Anghel & Alice, Georgiana Neagu & Mura.
As the kids got closer, the dogs showed how smart they were through games that even surprised the adults present. The children were fascinated - they laughed and giggled all the way. For two hours, while the event took place, time was measured in play, hugs and surprises.
At the end, the children received bookmarks with the dogs' pictures, so they can remember how they spent one of the best days of their lives. These kinds of meetings cancel out the borders between the outside world and the Hospital. In such lovely canine company, the children forgot, at least for a while, that they were in the Hospital.We'd like to thank our friends from the Animal-Assisted Therapy and Activities team of the Bucharest Utility Dog Club. Besides the time spent with the children, they came with a lot of energy and patience, playfulness and the curiosity of meeting the children admitted to the new Hospital. They are now a part of #Us, because we want this episode to become a permanent fixture at the Hospital. Rumor has it that, with the dogs in mind, children are already more tolerant of the medical procedures they need to have.
#We have built a Hospital where time passes differently for the children admitted. During the first year of functioning, more than 3,500 children from all around the country have been treated in the best possible conditions. We haven't counted the smiles during the activities organized in the new Hospital, but we know that, as least for a while, their childhood went on with games, joy and friendship.
We need your support to go on and build a Pediatric Medical Campus, where all the children in Romania can be treated in the best of conditions. Join #Us. Get involved, donate online, using your card, text PROMIT at 8835, redirect part of your income tax or share this article. Together we can carry on building and rebuilding: departments, hospitals, and hopes.
Author: Simona Sava
Photo credit: Alex Roșieanu