When war broke out, 13-year-old Yotam Rotem and his family were evacuated from their home in northern Israel. In addition to their ongoing daily struggles, the boy broke his nose, further overwhelming the family. While being treated at Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) in Haifa, Israel, two therapy dogs saved Yotam’s day.
Yotam Rotem with Tinka and Kelly. Credit: Courtesy of the Rotem family.
“After Yotam broke his nose, we came to Rambam for treatment,” recalls Noa, his mother. Doctors explained that although the treatment was straightforward, to ensure Yotam’s comfort, he needed to be sedated. The Rotem family was anxious. “We were evacuated from our home, and our lives are challenging,” she adds. “Although the medical procedure is simple, our emotional resources were depleted, and the situation was overwhelming.” The family expected to see a bevy of doctors, nurses, and equipment, but Rambam’s secret weapon – Tinka and Kelly, two Labrador therapy dogs entered the picture.
After Yotam’s underwent a medical procedure at Rambam’s Ruth Rappaport Children’s Hospital, Noa sat by his bedside waiting for him to awaken. Suddenly, Tinka and Kelly appeared with their handlers. “Tinka approached and started sniffing me. I petted her; it was calming, relaxing, and broke the barriers,” Noa shares. A while later, when Yotam woke up, Tinka’s attention moved to him. “Tinka lay on his bed, and Yotam petted and talked to her—it was wonderful,” Noa adds. A little while later, while the nurse was removing his IV, the loving Labrador nudged Yotam. “Tinka’s presence made things easier. It was moving to see—we were happy, and that’s unusual for a hospital visit.”
Tinka and Kelly’s job is visiting hospitalized patients, including war-injured soldiers, pregnant women, and pediatric patients. The two dogs know a thing or two about healing. TInka and Kelly are the stars of a specialized therapy service introduced at Rambam at the beginning of the war. They are valued Rambam “staff members” who visit hospital patients whenever needed.
Children often fear medical treatment and their anxieties can increase their pain and trauma levels; but a few simple tools can make the hospital experience positive. “Dogs contribute to healing of the body and soul, reducing anxiety, and improving one’s mood,” says Yana Levin, Pediatric Sedation Nurse Coordinator at the children’s hospital. “The child’s inner strength and sense of security are boosted in the proximity of a dog, which helps them cope with their fears. It’s a delight to witness, time and again.”
“Studies show that interaction with therapy dogs reduces stress. are released,” explains Idit Leiba, a perioperative nurse at Rambam and Tinka’s trainer and handler. “We watch the children forget why they were hospitalized. Time passes, it’s enjoyable, and everyone’s mood improves – the patients, their families, and the medical staff.” Leiba continues, “In both of my hospital roles, I see patients in varying situations, and this spurs me on in providing added value to patient care. Since the therapy dogs arrived at Rambam, they have visited many patients, including the young patients at Ruth Rappaport Children’s Hospital. It’s exciting, and we’re happy to help them.”
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