SICK children at Shoalhaven Hospital were given something to smile about this week.
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A special visitor from Paws and Tales Pet Therapy, Joe the undeniably gorgeous black labrador, paid a final visit to the children’s rooms and put a smile on the patients’ faces before Christmas.
Three-year-old Halle Wellings from Shoalhaven Heads had been feeling very glum, but when Joe wagged his tail to say hello a smile spread across her face.
Halle’s mother said Joe’s visits had made a huge difference to her daughter who was giggling and cracking jokes since the visit.
Paws and Pet Therapy dogs paid monthly visits to the hospital thanks to a generous grant earlier in the year. They hope to continue visiting sick children in the New Year but will be in need of funding to continue beyond mid 2016.
The Children’s Ward also celebrated the Ward Grandparents Program with Rosemary Grocott who received a certificate of appreciation for her dedication.
The program allows parents of sick children to run errands or take a break. Caring grandmothers step in to sit with children and play games while parents are away.
It is a busy time of year for the Children’s Ward who have visits from various organisations over the next week delivering Christmas gifts to the children and donations to the hospital.
HMAS Albatross paid a visit on Wednesday, Culburra Fishing Club on Thursday, Leighton Construction will visit on Friday along with Bunnings and Santa, then next Wednesday KidzWish will bring gifts.
