Animal-Assisted Therapy

We are proud that our Hospital introduced a brand new way of therapeutic work with patients in 2010, is animal-assisted therapy. Until 2015, a therapy dog, given to us by the Rehabilitation Center Silver Zagreb, was a Labrador called Mak. After the unexpected and premature loss of Mak who has permanently won us over with the warmth of his heart, his place was taken by young Aron, also a black Labrador. Aron came to us from the Croatian Guide Dog and Mobility Association Zagreb.

All therapy dogs undergo special training in assisting in the therapeutic process of treatment.

Upon completion of training, a therapy dog has more tasks and can have very successful influence in the treatment process. The dog helps individuals with mental and intellectual difficulties, acts as a motivator in everyday life activities, contributes to better socialization, enhances emotional-social development, the development of motor skills, etc.

Dogs react to touch, laughter, gestures, and looks, heling the individual to feel needed next to them. They improve the mood and contribute to the feeling of personal satisfaction and breaking down the barriers of disease. They selflessly offer you friendship, compassion, and unconditional acceptance, and give you a sense of security. Dogs encourage us to smile and play, which minimizes violent and aggressive behavior and increases security in social relationships.

It is common knowledge that dogs have a relaxing and calming effect on people and thus makes it easier for the therapy dog handler to achieve the set goals while working with the patient. The positive impacts of dog-assisted therapy are possible on many levels, including the sensorimotor, thought, communication, psychosocial and emotional level.