Muppet Relaxing In The Sunshine
Muppet has been a registered PAT (Pets As Therapy) Dog since January 2006. She regularly visits the children’s wards at both the Royal United Hospital in Bath and The Barbara Russell Children’s Unit at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol. She brings joy and happiness to over 100 people a week.
The work at these hospitals is very diverse; in Bath the children tend to be in for elective treatment such as orthopaedic or tonsils and are often mobile and chatty; whereas in Frenchay, they have a high level of patients who have experienced trauma, neuro and plastic reconstruction. Muppets role here is one of a calming nature. It may just be visual stimulation of the child or minimal contact through touch. The children seem much more determined to move in order to touch and interact with Muppet than with a toy or person.
At the RUH in Bath they have fully embraced the concept of using animals as a form of therapy and regularly get Muppet involved in their treatment protocols. Several of the consultants now “prescribe” Muppet. For example, some of the long term patients can tire of the repeated hospital checks so Muppet gets involved and it becomes a game. Muppet will have her chest listened to and the child would then have their chest listened to, Muppet would have her temperature taken (the ear, definitely the ear) and then the child would have their temperature taken. Muppet would take her PAT coat off and then the child would have their t-shirt taken off and so on. Suddenly, what once was an upsetting time for the child becomes something they enjoy.
Quite often children who have been discharged in the morning of our visit will make their parents wait until we come in so they can see Muppet before they go!
The Pets As Therapy scheme was set up for the patients:
- to interact with pets to perhaps evoke memories of their own pets,
- to start conversation,
- to stimulate body movement,
- and even just to produce a smile!
These days our visits are getting longer as we have to see the cleaners, nursing staff, SpR’s and the out patients team as they all look forward to their weekly visit from Muppet!
Muppet Getting A Cuddle
Another vital part of our visits is to see the parents. Often they may be upset while their child is in surgery and so we make a conscious effort to see the parents as often just stroking her produces a calming effect and a temporary distraction.
Muppet & Patient
Muppet can be seen as “Santa’s helper” at the Christmas party and also helps out at the Summer Fete each year.
Muppet Looking At Santa's Beard
She has even been painted on the wall of the hospital playroom so that she is a constant reminder to the patients and staff.
Muppet Surfing The Walls Of The Playroom
She also regularly promotes the charity at various dog days out and takes an active role in the PAT Parades at Crufts and Discover dogs.
Muppet & Leisl At Crufts and Muppet With Some Of Her P.A.T. Dog Relatives
I am bound to be biased but I believe she thoroughly embraces the concept of Pets As Therapy and is a fantastic advocate for the charity.
In March 2011 her achievements were recognised and she was awarded the HiLife PAT Dog of the Year 2010/2011 in front of nearly 10,000 at Crufts, beating 5,000 other dogs. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am that Muppet got this award. I am so proud of my little girl.
I have to thank the Play Specialists at Bath and Bristol who have initiated and encouraged Pets As Therapy on their wards and most importantly I have to thank Chris Pritchard of Powerscourt Cocker Spaniels who started as a “breeder” but has now become a dear friend who has entrusted me with her very special girl. To me Muppet is priceless. Thank you.