Six months on the job and the “bestest boy” at St. Joseph’s hospital is already unleashing a sense of hope and inspiration among patients and staff.

His name is Scout — a gentle 125-pound Leonberger who spends his weekdays visiting about 30 forensic unit patients at the St. Joe’s West 5th campus, which offers mental health and addictions services.

Scout is the first resident therapy dog at any hospital in the country, to his coworkers’ knowledge, and a long overdue addition to the team, said Dr. Glen Chaimowitz, Scout’s boss and head of forensic psychiatry. It’s also a first for a forensic unit.

“Many of our patients are here for an extended amount of time and they’ve lost contact with people who are meaningful in their lives,” Chaimowitz said.

“Bringing somebody as warm and enduring and inspiring as our staff member Scout is just an absolute asset for us.”

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CBC News
May 7, 2023