The Southern Cross | December 2023

Being unwell and in hospital at Christmas time can be particularly difficult, however at Calvary North Adelaide Hospital a “gentle and peaceful” dog called Lila is helping to make a difference to patient wellbeing during the festive season.

The 10-year-old greyhound and owner Caitlin Cantwell are part of the Volunteer and Pet Therapy program running at Calvary North Adelaide, Central District and Adelaide hospitals. The initiative involves accredited owners of pets – currently just dogs and cats – coming in to visit and interact with patients and staff in the hospital. It is a perfect opportunity for animal lovers to have a pat and hug with the furry visitor and a chat with their owner.

According to Caitlin, who has been involved in the program at Calvary North Adelaide Hospital for the past three years, for many patients the interaction with Lila is an “emotional experience”.

“Lila is an extremely gentle, peaceful dog, very sensitive and very empathetic and she goes into the right mode according to who she is meeting,” she said.

“Some of the patients we visit are really missing their own dogs at home and they get a bit teary and really need a ‘doggy hug’ – and that’s nice. Others, depending on what stage they are at in their healing process, are a bit emotional, a bit bored, or haven’t had a visitor for a long time so we just sit and chat with them.

“Bringing Lila in is making a small difference to their lives.”

Caitlin said Lila was also popular with staff members, who often stopped to pat her and have a quick hug during what was sometimes a difficult day for them.

On average, the duo visit about 20-25 patients when they attend and on a busy day they can be there for up to three hours.

One patient who looks forward to their visits is David Greenwell.

“I can’t stress enough how really important this program is for patients here,” he said.

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