Every year, millions and millions of people around the world volunteer to give up their time to support others in need.
But this volunteer is a little different. She’s a bit shorter and a little hairier than most other hospital volunteers, and she will even eagerly sniff out a treat.
Meet Roxy, a Labrador part of the PAWS Pet Therapy Program. She has recently been crowned as the Volunteer of the Year at her local District Healthcare Awards night.
Roxy has been responsible for bringing an abundance of love, joy, and comfort to people in times of distress and anxiety at St George’s Hospital wards and patient clinics.
Her weekly visits help to reduce stress, lift spirits, and even help lower blood pressure. Wherever she goes, her tail is wagging enthusiastically in anticipation of a pat.
Therapy dog Roxy with her owners Wendi and Doug Murray. Credit: theleader.com.au.
Whether it’s a shake of the paw or laying down beside patients, Roxy’s presence has cheered up many of the patients at the hospital.
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Roxy the therapy dog
Her owners, Wendi and Doug Murray, say the eight and a half year labrador is one special pooch.
“Roxy is our third re-classified guide dog. First we had Angie, followed by Muzza, and now Roxy,” Wendi Murray said.
“My husband was diagnosed with vascular dementia and we quickly realised that we needed another dog because he wasn’t coping. He has always had a dog by his side. I wanted my husband to have a companion.”
Roxy was initially called Dash before she was placed with Guide Dogs Australia by a family from Sutherland Shire. Once she was fully trained, she was given a new home with the Murrays.
“We knew she was special the moment we picked her up,” Mrs Murray said. “She is incredibly emotionally intelligent. She can pick up on emotions before you even know you’re upset.”
“We’ve gone through a lot of changes in our lives recently and Doug has managed to cope with all the changes because of Roxy. She has a certain presence about her. Doug knows that Roxy is his therapy.”
Seeing how well Roxy worked with her husband, Mrs Murray thought that Roxy could help other people too.
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Roxy can help others too
“I was browsing a magazine when I came across an article about what sort of personality is required for a therapy dog in hospitals or nursing homes. I looked at Roxy, who was beside me at the time, and I said, ‘you were made for this.’” Mrs Murray said.
The Murrays’ had a granddaughter that was a trainee physiotherapist at St George Hospital at the time. After a quick chat, the hospital was happy to give Roxy the weekly gig.
“She makes such a difference. Nurses have told us that some patients refuse to say anything until they have had their cuddle with Roxy.”
They had to hit pause on the hospital visits during Covid-19, but Roxy was keen to return to duty as soon as possible.
“Normally we can’t even get past the front counter because the staff loves to give her treats,” Mrs Murray said. “She knocks on the door using her nose to get the treats.”
“Her favourite treats are apples and carrots. One of the patients at the hospital, who has a brain infection, saves all his bananas for Roxy, so she sprints into his room every time.”
“She makes such a difference to the staff and patients’ wellbeing every time she visits. Doctors who have just finished their surgery in their scrubs walk into the lunchroom just to take a selfie with Roxy.”
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