DogExpress
There’s no fear of vaccination quite like that of a 9-year-old child looking down a hypodermic needle. And no treatment is as effective as Ollie, a 6-year-old Goldendoodle therapy dog who assists children at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego in overcoming their fears of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
Since they became eligible for the immunization earlier this month, Ollie and 14 other dogs from the PetSmart Paws for Hope Canine Therapy Program have been assisting children aged 5 to 11.
Adults across the United States are refusing immunizations due to skepticism coming from how swiftly vaccines were rolled out, concerns about probable adverse effects, and, in many cases, terror fueled by false reports. Moreover, the children are afraid that it will damage them.
Avery Smith, 9, was in tears as she awaited a vaccination at Rady’s immunization clinic. Ollie then walked in and stood at her feet.
The dogs already had a role before the vaccination, providing happiness to kids at the children’s hospital, many of whom were fighting cancer or other conditions that may deplete the spirit of kids, their parents, and medical staff.
“Sometimes a parent will say, ‘He’s unconscious from his operation, but can I pet the dog?'” Kristin Gist, 75, Ollie’s owner and former hospital programs director, said.
“They can snuggle with the puppy and feel good at the same time.” Twenty thousand yearly dog trips came to a standstill when COVID limitations were imposed early last year. They’ve been going for approximately three months now.
Source: Dog Time
in Chandigarh, India. 
