Canuck Place Children's Hospice celebrates National Therapy Animal Day as an integral part of its interdisciplinary care
Vancouver, B.C. (March 23, 2022): Canuck Place is where comfort and support can be found through the wag of a tail. April 30 is National Therapy Animal Day, and Canuck Place Children's Hospice is celebrating its Accredited Facility Dog, Gaia—an integral part of its interdisciplinary, holistic care.
Canuck Place is B.C. and the Yukon's only pediatric palliative care provider, caring for over 800 children with life-threatening illnesses and the families who love them.
With support from partners, Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) and YVR for Kids, Canuck Place welcomed new team member Gaia in February of 2021. Accredited Facility Dogs assist community care professionals where there would be physical, social or emotional improvement with the addition of a dog and its specially trained dog-handler team. Gaia provides comfort and emotional support and was selected among dozens of candidates to work at Canuck Place. Accredited Facility Dogs differ from therapy dogs as they are bred and trained to do this important work full time. Gaia works alongside two handlers, nursing manager Brenda Dewar and nurse practitioner Camara van Breemen to provide support to children and families in both Canuck Place hospices, in-hospital and even in-home.
Nurse Practitioner Camara van Breemen and Gaia
Gaia was chosen from dozens of candidates for this type of work not only because she demonstrates the ability to seek out those that need her support, but perhaps more importantly, she can support them without taking on the stress herself. This is a rare trait in dogs, just as it is in the special humans that work at Canuck Place."
Laura Watamanuk, Executive Director, PADS
With the wag of a tail, a compassionate demeanor, and a genuine interest in healing families, it’s no wonder Canuck Place requires this important position on its team. While Gaia's impact on children is most obvious, staff also benefit from her therapeutic touch. Gaia makes it safe for children to talk about scary feelings or experiences, and also their warm companionship for staff provides comfort and healing during more difficult days.
For more information about Canuck Place and the interdisciplinary care provided for children and families, visit canuckplace.org.
About Canuck Place
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is British Columbia and the Yukon’s pediatric palliative care provider. Over 800 children living with life-threatening illnesses and families from five provincial health regions receive Canuck Place inpatient and community care (in home/in hospital). Canuck Place operates 13 patient beds and 8 family suites through two hospices in Vancouver and Abbotsford. Services include medical respite and family support, pain and symptom management, provincial 24-hour clinical care line, music and recreation therapy, education and art, grief, loss, and bereavement counselling, as well as end-of-life care. With donors, our talented team, including over 370 volunteers, we care for children with short lives and the families who love them. canuckplace.org
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is British Columbia and the Yukon’s pediatric palliative care provider. Over 800 children living with life-threatening illnesses and families from five provincial health regions receive Canuck Place inpatient and community care (in home/in hospital). Canuck Place operates 13 patient beds and 8 family suites through two hospices in Vancouver and Abbotsford. Services include medical respite and family support, pain and symptom management, provincial 24-hour clinical care line, music and recreation therapy, education and art, grief, loss, and bereavement counselling, as well as end-of-life care. With donors, our talented team, including over 370 volunteers, we care for children with short lives and the families who love them. canuckplace.org
About PADS
Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) breeds, raises and trains fully certified assistance dogs. Our service (mobility & PTSD) and hearing dogs provide life-changing independence to those with physical disabilities other than blindness. Our accredited facility dogs work with community professionals, such as teachers, RCMP and psychologists to help support healthy communities. PADS is a fully accredited member of Assistance Dogs International. pads.ca
Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) breeds, raises and trains fully certified assistance dogs. Our service (mobility & PTSD) and hearing dogs provide life-changing independence to those with physical disabilities other than blindness. Our accredited facility dogs work with community professionals, such as teachers, RCMP and psychologists to help support healthy communities. PADS is a fully accredited member of Assistance Dogs International. pads.ca
