Two sisters with four legs make for a ‘pawsitive tail’ of family connection as therapy dogs Tali and Chili bring comfort and connection to patients at Mackay Base Hospital.
In a unique family partnership, Tali and Chili don’t just share the same parents. They’re also part of a new father-and-daughter therapy dog handling team which is dedicated to brightening hospital days.
Clinical nurse and registered therapy dog handler Claire Cox has been visiting hospital wards with Tali for over a year. Now her dad, retired teacher turned therapy dog handler Paul Kelly, has joined the program with Chili making it a truly special family affair.
Tali has become a familiar and much-loved presence across the hospital as she’s delivered wagging tails and unconditional love to patients, families and staff. Her bubbly personality has a remarkable way of lifting spirits, easing worries, sparking smiles and turning even the toughest days into something a little brighter, Claire said.
Now, with Chili officially joining the team after her first visit to the hospital on Monday 23 March, the sisters are doubling their impact. Together, they’re visiting five adult wards across the hospital including, reaching an even wider group of patients thanks to support from the Mackay Hospital Foundation and as part of the Eat Walk Engage program.
For Claire, the therapy dogs bring a sense of home into what can often feel like a clinical and confronting environment.
“Tali comes in every week and gives patients love and cuddles offering just a little bit of home in a place that can feel very clinical,” she said.
The benefits are profound. For patients nearing end of life, a visit from Tali or Chili can create one of their final happy memories. For those living with dementia, the dogs provide a calming presence, helping to ground and settle them during a confusing and difficult time. For others, the visits unlock cherished memories of beloved pets, often bringing tears of joy and moments of reflection.
Facilitator Lauren Beauzec said the Eat Walk Engage program was intended to improve older patient care in hospital and reduce the incidence of hospital complications, like delirium.
“One of the things that make a really big difference is that opportunity for engagement, something meaningful to do while they are in hospital,” she said.
“Patients often tell us they would really love some animal-assisted activities. A lot of people have their own animals at home that they've had to leave while they are in hospital, so it's lovely to see them connect with the therapy dogs here.”
Tali and Chili, both highly trained and certified therapy dogs, also thrive on the attention and affection they receive on their visits to the wards.
“I think the dogs love it just as much as the patients do. It's a really mutually enjoyable time for everybody,” Lauren said.
Even staff feel the impact.
“As a nurse, I know how stressful this job can be,” Claire said.
“Being able to bring a little piece of joy into the workplace is such a blessing.”
Paul’s involvement adds another layer of connection. With a lifetime of experience as a teacher, he and Chili bring warmth, conversation and relatability, particularly for patients who may not receive many visitors.
Together the therapy dog team is helping transform the hospital experience. Patients who are often facing some of the hardest moments of their lives are given a chance to smile, to reminisce, and to feel comforted, Claire said.
As the sisters continue their rounds at the hospital, tails wagging in unison, they’re not just visiting patients having a ‘ruff’ time.
They’re also strengthening a story of family, compassion and the simple, powerful joy and love that a dog can bring.