April 18, 2022
Bev Koo and Messi, her Australian labradoodle, bring joy and a welcome distraction from the serious business of radiation therapy to patients in the waiting areas at the Cross Cancer Institute. Photo by Brian Brady
Story by Cassie Ford | Photo by Brian Brady
EDMONTON — Radiation therapy patients can now receive an extra bit of support thanks to Bev Koo and her dog Messi — the first volunteers to sign up for the new pet therapy program at the Cross Cancer Institute (CCI).
Every Friday the pair stop by several waiting areas on the Radiation Therapy unit to visit with patients who show a fondness for fur babies. Making fast friends is Messi, a five-year-old Australian labradoodle who’s wagged his way into hearts as a therapy dog for three years.
“Messi sits with people and they’ll pet him. It allows them to forget about their illness for a few minutes,” says Koo. “He knows who needs a little bit more, and he’s good at being able to share himself.”
Sharon Heinrich, a Volunteer Resources coordinator, says there’s been a desire to introduce pet therapy at the CCI for some time as a way to brings moments of joy to people going through a difficult time.
“These patients often come in many days in a row for treatment, which is a real challenge when you’re not feeling well,” says Heinrich. “The role of volunteers is to enhance patient care and comfort — and Bev and Messi do a great job of that.”
Christopher Birk, manager of Radiation Therapy, jumped at the chance to welcome Messi and Koo to his department when Heinrich first suggested pet therapy.
“A lot of people have adopted COVID puppies or kittens over the last two years,” says a smiling Birk, “and Messi is our department's COVID puppy. These past two years have been so difficult, and a visit with a dog just makes you feel a little bit better.”
Since the launch of the program in January, the pair have visited more than 450 patients. As a retired nurse, Koo says it means a lot to her to be able to continue to help patients as a volunteer during the pandemic.
“People are afraid to go into healthcare facilities, and we certainly have a lot fewer people volunteering right now,” she says. “But I take the proper precautions. I’m very careful.”
Volunteer Resources hopes to expand the pet therapy program and add more volunteers to facilitate more pet therapy visits.
Koo encourages others, if they’re interested, to sign up their four-legged companions for pet therapy training.
“It really is a rewarding experience to bring the dogs in and make a difference in people’s lives,” she adds. “They give that unconditional love — it’s something we all need more of.”
Help us celebrate National Volunteer Week from April 24-30 by recognizing the amazing contributions of our volunteers. Visit Sharing The Love or Thanks For Caring to show your appreciation.
