Therapy dog 'a treasured companion' for Galway cancer patients
Wagging tail is warmly met
PATIENTS and staff at the Radiation Oncology Centre at University Hospital Galway (UGH) have welcomed a very special new team member. Khai, an Irish Therapy Dog.
Once a week, Khai proudly trots through the doors of the hospital with a simple mission: to bring comfort, calm and connection to patients undergoing cancer treatment.
With his wagging tail and gentle presence, he is providing warmth, reassurance and moments of positivity to patients, families and staff in what can often be an anxious environment.
Whether resting his head beside a patient, greeting staff with quiet enthusiasm, or offering a calming presence in waiting areas, Khai’s visits are proving that sometimes the best medicine comes with four legs and a wet nose.
“Radiotherapy treatment can be an anxious experience for many patients, and from the moment Khai arrived, there was an immediate sense of calm and positivity throughout the unit,” stated Stephen Coyne, Radiation Oncology Services Manager at UHG.
“People who may have been quietly sitting on their own in the waiting area suddenly begin interacting with Khai, and before long those conversations continued naturally between patients themselves.
A treasured companion
Image 1 of 4
Gerard McCabe from Derrnasoo, Carrick-on-Shannon, County Roscommon pictured with Áine Ní Fhlaithearta and Irish Therapy Dog Khai at the Radiation Oncology Centre, University Hospital Galway.Image 2 of 4
Val Devaney from Kilmacowen, Ballisodare, County Sligo pictured with Áine Ní Fhlaithearta and Irish Therapy Dog Khai at the Radiation Oncology Centre, University Hospital Galway.Image 3 of 4
Brendan Healy from Killala, County Mayo pictured with his daughter Angela Taylor and wife Patricia Healy, alongside Áine Ní Fhlaithearta, Gerard McCabe, Carrick-on-Shannon, Siobhán Coughlan, Senior Staff Nurse, Stephen Coyne, Radiation Oncology Services Manager, and Irish Therapy Dog Khai at the Radiation Oncology Centre, University Hospital Galway.Image 4 of 4
Michelle Francis from Monksland, County Roscommon pictured with Áine Ní Fhlaithearta and Irish Therapy Dog Khai at the Radiation Oncology Centre, University Hospital Galway.“It is genuinely lovely to see the effect on both patients and staff. His visits lift the whole department and create moments of connection, comfort and conversation that stay long after he has trotted out the door.”
While Khai may be charming, he is also highly professional. Every visit is carefully managed to ensure the highest standards of hygiene, safety and infection prevention are maintained, with clean paws an essential part of his routine.
“From the moment we walk through the door, you can feel the atmosphere change. There is something incredibly powerful about the comfort Khai brings without saying a single word,” explained Kai’s owner and handler Áine Ní Fhlaithearta.
“If he can provide even a few moments of comfort, distraction or happiness to someone during a difficult day, then that is very special.”
Khai and Áine are proud members with Irish Therapy Dogs, which provides comfort and companionship through therapeutic dog visits to hospitals, nursing homes, disability centres, and special schools throughout Ireland.
In a place defined by courage, resilience and hope, Khai has become an unexpected but treasured companion, reminding everyone that healing is not only about medicine and machines, but also about moments of kindness, companionship and connection.