Auckland Hospital researching use of pet therapy dog to help patients suffering from pain [Video]

Auckland Hospital is researching a brand-new, four-legged solution for managing acute pain in patients.   

Gus the labrador is the first comfort dog to be trialled in the hospital’s acute pain service, and early results are positive.   

The two-year-old puppy is putting the ‘lab’ in labrador.   

“I’ve had a bit of a sad morning, so this has made me feel so much better,” patient Aleesha Stone told Newshub.  

Gus belongs to consultant anaesthetist Lora Pencheva.   

After seeing therapy pets working wonders elsewhere in the hospital, Pencheva thought she’d train her dog up to help patients suffering from acute pain – and it’s paid off.   

“We finally managed to get him approved to come and be a pain dog,” Pencheva said.  

Gus is a bit of a maverick at the hospital. He’s their first pet therapy dog in their acute pain service, and if he plays his cards right, it could become a fully-fledged programme.   

Gus now has his own hospital ID, and comes to visit the acute …