Pet Therapy volunteer, Dr Jui-shan Chang and her dog Bubu, have provided pet therapy to hospital patients, their families and staff since 2018.

One of Jui-shan’s more memorable moments occurred when she was about to commence a pet therapy shift and she heard people calling Bubu’s name. Beryl and Peter have a 40-year-old son, John, who is battling cancer and has received visits from Jui-shan and Bubu. Upon enquiring about John’s health, Jui-shan learned that he had become terminally ill and placed into palliative care. Despite their obvious sadness, Beryl and Peter were delighted to have the chance to thank Jui-shan and Bubu for everything they had done for John. They recalled what a joyful, calming presence Bubu brought them all, and how much they treasured happy memories of Bubu curled up in bed next to John’s foot.

“It was a beautiful reminder of what a big impact a little dog like Bubu can make, and the importance of Lort Smith’s Pet Therapy program.”

“I love being a pet therapy volunteer with Lort Smith because I know that the love and support Bubu and I provide can make such a huge difference to a person’s life. I have never seen faces light up like they do when a pet therapy dog enters a room. That really motivates me,” said Jui-shan proudly.