Newfoundland dog in hospital - whatever next?

[Globules]

Not that I know my breeds, but Newfoundland was the closest I could find in Google. Whatever it was, it was large and very furry and should not be in a hospital.

You can see it's not being used as a service dog by the way it's being led.

This "my dog has to go everywhere" stupid craze has to end now.

AIBU?

It'll be a PAT (Pets as Therapy) dog. My dad does it with his giant breed and it brings a lot of comfort to people, there's a huge amount of research into the benefit to humans of being around dogs. PAT dogs (and their humans) are volunteers and only go where they are requested. Anybody who wants to sign up has to undergo an assessment to make sure both canine and human are suitable, and then they just wait to see if someone calls and asks for a visitor. If they've not been specially requested, they won't be there - they don't do cold-calling! If you don't want to engage with the dog just smile and shake your head, it isn't going to be forced on you. Many patients will get a lot from the dog's company which is why he's there, you presumably wouldn't want to deprive them of that?

My cousin was allowed to take her Dads Alsatian into hospital for a visit when he was in long term. It cheered him right up and got him focused on getting home.

@Fargo79 That works the other way too though. Why should patients not have their spirits lifted by a PAT dog because of the potential discomfort to others. Just avoid them if scared or allergic. They do not just waltz in to a ward unannounced taking patients by surprise. They do checks first and ask the patients if they are happy with a dog coming in to the ward.

Dogs don't belong in hospitals, except for specific reasons/circumstances. So I doubt this pic OP took was of a dog that was just some cheeky fucker taking the piss.
That person having their spirits lifted could be end of life, and their dog was visiting them.

I assume it will be a therapy dog. The ones I've seen in schools never have identification on. School knows its there.
If you dont like dogs or allergic ( I am) uou don't have them near you.
They are very well trained, very calming especially in very stressful environments. A local hospital has a 'staff ' dog that visits staff, not patients, and everyone lives to see them

Where are all you people hiding? My dog is a PAT dog and he's greeted with delight on every ward he goes on. Are you all busy hiding behind your sofas never answering the door or phone and eating giant salads so you can avoid having to go out and be near something as heinous as a dog?

Thanks. I think therapy dogs are a wonderful idea. I live in a city with a large hospital with an A and E department. A cat walked in there years ago and has been there ever since. He will sit and curl up against patients sitting in triage. It's wonderful to have a furry animal to cuddle whilst being there.

There was a thread a while back where OP saw an article about PaT dogs, and decided they should be banned too.
The usual about allergies/phobias. No PaT dog is forced on some one.

A quick Google of Newfoundland therapy dogs would gave brought up a lot of information around the use of these dogs. I have a picture of my DD with two, in her hospital workplace. They lift the spirits of Staff as much as the patients. Patients are told of the visit in advance anyone who objects can be temporarily moved. Up to date there's been no-one who has objected. The Staff queue up for a pet. There's one Newfoundland charity which offers swimming with them for a range of people including close-to-burn-out, essential service staff. As said, animal therapy works.

It's Assistance Dogs in the UK, not service dogs.

Assistance dogs do not have to wear anything that identifies them as an assistance dog.

My assistance dog is on a long lead due to the tasks he is trained to do.

Assistance dogs are classed as medical equipment. Would you be angry if someone used their wheelchair in a hospital?

Oh no, I am under oath to seek out the person most allergic to my dog and strap him to their face. That's how it works don't you know.

Quick google this article describes Newfoundland being used in Watford General and an awesome video which links to a video of a dog with very similar lead to the one in your photo

He's a PAT dog for staff and patients.

I love dogs so don't have a problem seeing them anywhere but I'm surprised at this. So anyone could just take their pet pooch anywhere with a regular lead on and if challenged (because the place is 'assistance dogs only') just say, it is an assistance dog and that's it. Shopping centre managers or whoever just say, ah okay then?

Why isn't there a big cuddly dog whenever I visit hospitals?! ❤️
I think it's probably a therapy dog. Maybe they don't do TD harnesses in his size!

Looks like you were wrong on every point here

Nice try

Yep. Managers can ask two questions only. Is it an assistance dog, and what tasks is it trained to do.

Unfortunately this does mean that ableds who know about this, then decide they can do the same with their pets.

Oh please. Get a grip. It could have been there for so many completely legitimate reasons. The NHS have enough to do already.

Dog owner/lover here. I agree OP. Dog hair and saliva (Newfoundlands drool a LOT and when they shake their heads it looks like the room has been the venue for a bukkake) isn’t the most sanitary thing.

Maybe it’s there as a patients last wish.

Totally unacceptable. Also how are the people with dog allergies meant to cope with this? Just become ill when in hospital?

I think the sooner we stop this emotional support animal nonsense the better. Entitled people thinking their dog is the same as a guide dog because

1. they say so, and
2. They bought a little vest off Amazon

My daughter who is a doctor has in the past arranged for the hospital to agree a visit from a dog where the oener is terminally ill.

After the party bags, I guess snooping around?

Dogs and pets have been brought in these circumstances from years ago. My Ex's boss whom we adopted his cat had this. We weren't close, but it brought him to see him one last time. It was about 23 years ago.

Newfies are lovely, gentle dogs. they were probably there as a therapy dog visit, something many patients benefit from hugely.