They say laughter is the best medicine, and judging by the huge expressions of joy on the faces of those comforted by animals in the Dr Pet programme, these therapeutic fur-bundles are proving to be a profound source of relief to those in need.
The 12 dogs, cats and rabbits in the Dr Pet programme visit elderly centres and hospitals to improve the psychological and physical health of the needy.
Four-and-a-half-year-old Lionhead rabbit "Dr BB" has been a Doctor Pet for most of her life. She and her 11 pet colleagues are volunteered by their owners to work for the non-profit organisation Dr Pet.
They visit people in need to offer unconditional love and friendship. They are happy to be held, patted, cuddled, and played with.
The news.gov.hk team recently saw Dr Pets in action at an elderly centre in Kwai Shing East Estate. The pets made fast friends with their elderly beneficiaries, providing a new experience for some and jogging the memories of others who owned a pet in the past.
Playing with Dr BB, elderly centre user Madam Wong said: "This is the first time I have met a rabbit. I have played with cats and dogs before. I like this Dr Rabbit very much."
Madam Tung, cradling a feline Dr Pet in her arm, said: "I like both dogs and cats. My son has a pet cat and I used to have a dog."
Fellow elderly centre resident Mr Lee said: "This is an extraordinary opportunity to be affectionate with the pets. They are very obedient, I like them."
Madam Lee said playing with the pets allowed her to reminisce about times with her own cat in her younger years: "I love animals. I had a cat when I was young. The cat would come to my bed every night to sleep with me."
Dr BB's owner Candy Wong said volunteering for the Dr Pet programme allows her and her pet to contribute to society.
To keep her VIP (very important pet) comfortable when venturing out into Hong Kong's variable weather to conduct each therapeutic visit, Miss Wong makes special arrangements.
"In summer, if it is too hot, I will put an ice pack in the cage before I bring the rabbit outdoors. In winter I will bring a blanket to keep the rabbit warm."
Social worker Chris Ho hailed the pet programme, saying it provides genuine health benefits.
"Some elderly people cannot play with the pets. For example, if they have asthma or other respiratory diseases, we do not encourage them to touch the pets. But for those who love pets, I can see from their smile that they get warmth and happiness from the animals."
Dr Pet Founder & Executive Director Winnie Luk said: "Animal-assisted therapy makes the elderly happier. The elderly become more active by touching the pets and throwing balls to them. This activity is a kind of physiotherapy. Animal-assisted therapy can improve their social, emotional, and cognitive functioning as well. The Dr Rabbit is very popular among patients as most of them do not have many opportunities to touch rabbits."
Not all pets are suitable for this noble cause. They must pass tests, including those on physical and psychological health, and temperament.
To qualify as a Dr Pet, the animals and their owners must complete six therapeutic visits to those in need during their internship and perform up to the standard required. Only then can they be registered as a Dr Pet.
Dr Pet visits are held every month. Examinations will be held in May for owners and their pets wanting to join the Dr Pet programme. For details click here (Chinese only).
