NOT ALL patients at St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital have two legs; some on the premises are of the four-legged variety. A pet visiting room has been
set up at the Frankston-based hospital where patients can enjoy time with their animal companions. Patient Les Morrison has been receiving visits from Gabrielle, his six-year-old Great Dane. He described the program as ''fantastic''. ''You can see the smiles on
their (patients') faces as they come down the corridor and see their pets,'' Mr Morrison said. ''It makes the day go quicker and breaks up the routine journey of recovery.''
Gabrielle, an Australian champion, is a registered pet therapy dog and also makes visits to schools and aged-care homes. Lisa Norman, the hospital's CEO, said research had proved there were benefits for sick people who had access to their pets during recovery.
''Pets are a very important part of people's lives,'' she said. Dogs are the most frequent visitors at the hospital, followed by cats. The pet visiting room has a separate outside entrance, accessed from Wattle Tree Lane, so pets can come in without disturbing the rest of the hospital.

As published in the last edition of the Dane Digest, the committee of the Great Dane Club of Victoria Inc will now acknowledge members dogs that attain Pet Therapy accreditation. To get you all inspired, here is some information about therapy dogs.

So what is a Therapy Dog?
Pet Therapy is the use of trained animals and their handlers to visit children and adults in hospitals, rehabilitation centres and residential care facilities. Visiting therapy dogs can motivate and encourage the elderly to stay healthy and exercise, and can generally enhance the quality of patients' and residents' lives.

How can I get involved?
In "Victoria there are two organisations that provide accredited Pet Therapy programs, Dogs Victoria (formerly the Victorian Canine Association) and The Delta Society of Australia. All participants are volunteers, and both programs test and assess you and your dogs suitability to be involved in the program, and if accepted, provide training and accreditation.

Is my Great Dane suitable to be a therapy dog?
Therapy dogs need to be comfortable and at ease in a variety of different environments and facilities. Generally, the programs will be looking for the following attributes when assessing your dogs temperament and behaviour:
· Your dog is calm and walks nicely on a loose lead and flat, soft collar.
· Your dog will accept and enjoy petting by a friendly stranger.
· Your dog does not show an adverse reaction to exuberant and clumsy petting, yelling, staggering or being bumped.
· Your dog is comfortable with wheelchairs (manual and electric), walking frames and walking sticks.
· How well you and your dog work as a tea.

Where can I find out more information?
Dogs Victoria:
Nikki Abell runs the program and she can be contacted on (03) 9889 4415. Dogs Victoria hold their testing at KCC Park and the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds.

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