Pet Therapy was started at the hospice in late 2013 .One of our volunteers Tan Goay Gnoh brings her little Pomeranian dog along to visit the patients on alternate Tuesdays . His name is Tam Tam and he is a loving , clever little fellow. Always obedient and willing to do his 'tricks' so that people give him biscuit treats ! Some of the patients have become friends with Tam Tam and are happy to see him when he visits . They enjoy stroking him and petting him . The session makes them smile and talk more easily and they sometimes reminisce about their lives before they got sick ; the pets they used to have ,etc . Pet Therapy is often used in hospices round the world and has been found to be useful in making patients feel less anxious and stressed . Dogs are ideal because they are such loving friendly creatures . We sometimes have patients who are abandoned by their families at the hospice . These people have not been touched or hugged for a long time . Often they feel worthless , hopeless and unloved . Holding Tam Tam and stroking him , having him respond immediately - makes them feel much better about themselves . We are very grateful to Goay Gnoh for her commitment to the patients and for sharing her little dog with us .
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