What a Therapy Dog Changed in Our Waiting Room

Every Thursday morning for the past three months, a retired greyhound called Biscuit has visited our practice with her handler, a volunteer from a local therapy animal programme. I was sceptical at first. I'm not anymore.

What we noticed

The waiting room is quieter on Thursdays. Children who usually dread their vaccinations spend the wait stroking a very patient dog. Older patients who come alone stay a few minutes longer to chat. Several told our receptionist it was the best part of their week.

It isn't only patients. Staff spend their coffee break with Biscuit, and Thursday has quietly become everyone's favourite day. In a profession with a lot of burnout, that matters.

The practical side

• Not everyone loves dogs. Some people are afraid or allergic, so Biscuit stays in one corner and patients can choose a different seating area.
• Hygiene. The handler carries hand gel, and the dog never goes into examination rooms.
• Consent. Nobody is approached. People go to her if they want to.
• Trained animals only. The programme assesses both dog and handler. A calm temperament is the whole job.

I'm careful about claims here. This isn't treatment, and I can't point to a number that proves it works. But I've watched a lot of tense shoulders drop on Thursday mornings.

Over in Health & Wellness we're starting a thread for the animals that get you through hard weeks. Dogs, cats, the neighbour's chickens, all welcome. Share a photo and tell us their name.