Providing a Touch of Home

Written by Jenna Hobin

Keaton with a QCH nurse

“It takes them out of the hospital world for a moment by providing a touch of home.”

That’s how Catharene—a dedicated care facilitator on the Acute Medicine floor at Queensway Carleton Hospital—describes the impact of visits provided by Ottawa Therapy Dogs (OTD). In her role, Catharene has seen firsthand how these furry companions, and their committed volunteer handlers, make a world of difference for patients and staff alike. 

Bob, a dedicated handler with OTD, previously visited with Keaton, who is now retired, and currently continues to bring ‘pawsitive’ support with Pixel. Catharene says that Pixel’s visits are “a bright and shiny part of the day,” providing companionship to everyone on the floor. One particularly touching memory involved a patient who had a dog at home. As she says, “She knew when Bob showed up that she’d get the opportunity to spend time with Keaton, and it was the highlight of her week.”

Dog-tor Winston!

Another beloved visitor was Winston, a golden retriever and retired volunteer with OTD. With his handler Virginia, they became well-recognized on the floor, bringing comfort and smiles with every visit. Even when visits were paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, Virginia stayed connected with the staff by sending photos of Winston dressed up as a “dogtor” and made homemade masks for the healthcare practitioners. “Not only was Winston a part of our team, but Virginia was a part of our team as well,” Catharene says warmly.

Therapy dogs offer interactions that can be especially meaningful for patients staying at the hospital for extended periods of time. “Some people stay on the floor long term, and seeing the dogs each week really gives them something to look forward to,” Catharene says. She often sees how deeply patients miss their pets—and how therapy dogs help fill that void. Pixel, in particular, wears two leashes so patients can help walk her, strengthening their shared connection.

There are moments that resonate most with Catharene, like a young girl with autism whose entire demeanor would change during visits. “The difference was visible as soon as the therapy dog would enter the room,” she recalls. That calming presence is something Catharene has witnessed time and again with other patients on the autism spectrum, as the therapy dogs offer comfort through gentle interaction.

Bob and Pixel

She shared that palliative patients often experience a similar response. A visit from a dog can bring a sense of familiarity, as patients often recall memories of beloved animals from earlier in life, restoring feelings of warmth and nostalgia that can otherwise be difficult to find in a hospital setting.

As Catharene puts it, therapy dogs do more than comfort—they spark memories, bring a calming presence and make the hospital feel a little more like home.