Dogs as a helper: Schkeuditz nurse brings comfort to the hospice

Dogs as a helper: Schkeuditz nurse brings comfort to the hospice

Schkeuditz. In a fascinating project, the dog trainer Sandra Lorenz trains therapy dogs such as hospice and Nursing homes are used. The 34-year-old trainer specializes in the training of visitor dogs that play an important role in the emotional support of people. One example is the street dog Hazel, who has already successfully passed the first exams together with her owner Kim Ngo. "When someone is stressed, the hazel is consulted," says the nurse, who creates a relaxing atmosphere in the hospice with her bitch.

since 2022 Lorenz has been working as a dog trainer freelance and has made a name for herself, although the interest in animal-based intervention in social institutions is still low. "Most dog trainers only make basic obedience to family dogs. It's a shame because it is such a valuable work," she says. Your goal is to sensitize more facilities to the advantages of therapy dogs. "I am actively approaching hospice, nursing homes and even prisons to find collaborations," she explains. The training as a visitor guide costs around 600 euros and largely takes place online, which enables Lorenz to operate customers from different cities.

Therapy dogs as a bridge for emotional support

The dogs act as door openers for conversations and emotional support. In the hospice, where Hazel is used regularly, the patients come into contact with the bitch through games and exercises. "The play of cubes in which the guests distribute pompons is very well received," reports NGO. Hazel has already established itself as a "work inventory" and ensures joy and relaxation among the guests. Despite the positive response, Lorenz still sees a lot of potential to further spread animal -assisted therapy and to bring more people closer to the advantages of this work

But the search for suitable training areas is a challenge. Lorenz urgently needs a permanent place for her training to be able to work professionally. "It is difficult that someone accepts that dogs can do it," she explains. Despite these hurdles, she remains optimistic and does everything possible to further promote her passion for the training of therapy dogs.