Bridgepoint patients welcome canine visitors.
Lynn Atkin-Phillips and her dog Frankie meet patient Stella Brunelle during a recent visit to Bridgepoint Health hospital. Frankie visits the patients at the hospital once a week.
Staff photo/DAN PEARCE
Lynn Atkin-Phillips steps gingerly into a patient's room and softly says, "Do you like dogs?"
The face of an elderly woman - who had been laying very still in her bed - lights up as Frankie calmly comes forward for a rub.
The lovable canine and his dedicated owner have been visiting Riverdale's Bridgepoint Health for about seven years as part of the hospital's pet therapy program.
A 12-and-a-half year old "best of many kinds" pooch, Frankie is one of nine volunteer dogs at the facility for chronic disease and disability.
The dogs vary in age, size, breed and even personality as do their owners who come from all walks of life and backgrounds, said Theresa Shiel, who serves as manager of volunteer resources at Bridgepoint Health.
"We want to ensure the volunteers and their dogs meet the mission and vision of Bridgepoint and understand patients' needs," she said.
"The dogs put the patients at ease and brighten up their day. Some of the smaller dogs even cuddle with the patients."
A retired elementary school teacher who calls Leaside home, Atkin-Phillips learned about the long-running pet therapy program through her friend Martha McNeil, who has been volunteering at Bridgepoint Health since 2001 alongside her dog, Coco.
"She felt Frankie would be perfect because of his personality," said Atkin-Phillips, who received special training with Frankie to take part in the pet therapy program at Bridgepoint Health.
A former rescue dog, Frankie is her first dog.
"We chose each other," she smiled, looking down at the gentle dog who walks slowly as he suffers from arthritis.
Each week, Atkin-Phillips and her "best friend" volunteer at the local hospital. They're charged with the third floor, which houses patients undergoing orthopaedic and neurological rehabilitation.
"When I first got Frankie he was shy and reserved. (Volunteering) has given him confidence and it's as stimulating to him as it is for the patients," she said.
"It's also very fulfilling as a volunteer to be able to cheer people up."
Atkin-Phillips said Frankie always puts a smile on the face of the patients he visits and helps them forget about their illness for a few minutes.
"He's the ice breaker. It's wonderful for patients to interact with the dog," Atkin-Phillips said, adding patients often share their pet stories with her and like to bring in treats for Frankie.
"It stimulates conversation and people look forward to us coming back. It's just beautiful."