Who let the dogs out?

Every week at Halifax Regional Hospital the patients get a very special visit from Sir Nick. Sir Nick is a Papillon. Papillons have been bred over the years to be compassionate and caring animals. The almost 4 year old Sir Nick has been a qualified Therapist since he was 12 months old.

Owner of Sir Nick, Vickie Ganey says, "Every week patients can make appointments for Sir Nick to make his visits."
Sir Nick likes being the center of attention at HRH. He is stopped by workers, visitors and children in the halls and waiting rooms.


Ganey also stated that Sir Nick is very good at sensing emotions. "Sir Nick can sense when someone has allergies or doesn't like dogs, it's just a sense he feels and leaves them alone".
Sir Nick doesn't just visit patients, there's more.

He has recently completed his training with Federal Emergency Management Agency to be a certified Disaster Stress Relief Dog.

Ganey is the Co-founder of ATT search dogs (Air Scent, Tracking, and Trailing) in which Sir Nick will become certified in the Spring. Currently there are 5 other dogs in the group.
Ganey said she has also taken Sir Nick to South Boston Elementary one year for Reading Therapy.

"One day a week the kids would each get a book and read aloud to the dogs while they sit with them. This was proved that the kids showed a dramatic improvement within that year.

Ganey said she and Sir Nick have greatly enjoyed visiting the patients at Halifax Regional Hospital.