Six furry friends for the children at UKBB

Maffra's paws are ready for action. Opposite the young Labrador sits a blond boy, about the same age in dog years. He is holding a treat in his hand. Maffra's owner calmly and sensitively explains to him how he should slowly guide the treat backwards over Maffra's head - and give her the «sit» command the moment she lowers her bottom. It works perfectly. The boy is beaming.

Launch of a special offer

The UKBB relies on the supportive effect of specially trained social dogs. Since January, six trained dogs have been visiting patients in a specially designated area: Luz, Coco, Merlot, Raksha, Yaro and Maffra. Each dog has its own personality and special strengths - from calm, cuddly dogs to playful bundles of energy.

The children spend around an hour with the dogs, accompanied by their parents. Children who are not afraid of or allergic to dogs can take part. «My son was happy and forgot his pain for a moment,» says one father, describing the experience with one of the therapy dogs. «The dog brought him peace.»

Many children experience these encounters as a valuable distraction from everyday hospital life. «The positive effects of these dog hours range from anxiety to pain relief and have been scientifically proven,» says Melanie Capaul-Schmocker, Head of Nursing Development at UKBB. After lengthy investigations, she was finally able to implement the project at UKBB. With visible success: «The children's faces often relax within minutes. Many become more curious or more courageous in contact. And we almost always see a smile that wasn't there before. That's very valuable for us.»

Safety and hygiene have top priority

The service follows a clearly defined hygiene concept and the UKBB house rules. All dogs are regularly examined by a vet and are only allowed to stay in strictly limited areas. Before each participation, the treating specialists carefully check whether the dog exercise programme is medically possible and sensible.

The social dog teams are trained by the Allschwil Guide Dog School and Therapy Dogs Switzerland. They work entirely on a voluntary basis.

Maffra has had enough of «sit» and treats. Now she's asking to be stroked. She lies down at the boy's feet and lets him cuddle her. «You're doing well,» praises Maffra's owner. The boy begins to talk - about his dog at home, what he likes and what he does to make his siblings laugh. His eyes sparkle.