At the National Center for Children's Development and Medical Care, where many children with childhood cancer and intractable diseases are treated, a dog called "Facility Dog" will be active to help children and relieve stress and anxiety. It was done.
"Facility dogs" are dogs that play with patients in hospitals and accompany them to the operating room to relieve stress and anxiety.
A 2-year-old male Labrador retriever "Masa" will be working as a facility dog at the National Center for Child Health and Development in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, which provides advanced pediatric medicine. A special employee ID card was given to "Masa".
"Masa" has been specially trained to interact with children, and can follow the instructions to find hidden toys and put their front legs on their lap, so every weekday in the ward and medical care. It means working in a facility that has children who need special care.
According to the NPO that dispatches facility dogs, five dogs, including Masa, are currently active in hospitals in Japan.
Dr. Kato said, "In Japan, the mental care of children receiving treatment is delayed compared to the United States, so I would like to expect Masa to play an active role."