Meet the therapy dog bringing comfort at Saskatoon vaccine clinics

In a bustling corner of the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s immunization clinic at the Gordie Howe Event Centre, a gentle presence is working wonders for those facing the stress of vaccinations.

Since becoming a certified therapy dog in 2019, Dibs has brought comfort and joy to countless people around the province.

As people come and go, the spaniel mix affectionately described by his owner Taunia Arthur as a “certified good boy,” is there to greet them with a wagging tail and a soft nuzzle.

“His job is to bring joy and happiness to everyone that he meets,” Arthur shared, watching Dibs as he leaned into a young girl named Brynn.

Brynn, just six years old, approached the clinic hesitantly, but with Dibs by her side her anxiety melted away.

“Dibs made me feel so happy!” she exclaimed, a smile spreading across her face.

Arthur hands out a special “Dibs present” to each child Dibs helps: a trading card. (Brittany Caffet/650 CKOM)

Arthur is a veterinary technician by trade and said her work is quite flexible, allowing her to take time away to volunteer her and Dibs’ time.

She recalled how Dibs came into her life as a foster dog after an accident left him with two broken back legs at six months old. Since then, Dibs has not only recovered himself but has thrived as a therapy dog.

He regularly visits children in places like Ronald McDonald House and the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, and even provides comfort for adults in the aftermath of trauma, including the mass stabbing attack on the James Smith Cree Nation in 2022.

Therapy dogs from St. John Ambulance have been visiting vaccination clinics in Saskatoon to offer comfort to patients and staff since 2021.

To become a therapy dog with St. John Ambulance in Saskatchewan, a dog needs to pass a behavior assessment that checks how well they handle different situations and their overall temperament. Their handler also has to complete a training course before they can get certified together as a therapy team.

Along with visiting the vaccine clinic, Taunia Arthur regularly volunteers her time to work with children in places like Ronald McDonald House and the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital with her therapy dog, Dibs. (Brittany Caffet/650 CKOM)

At the vaccine clinic, Dibs serves as a crucial diversion, easing the tension that often accompanies immunizations.

“The biggest thing we’ve seen is that the dogs provide a big distraction,” Arthur explained. “I’ve had kids who come and they give Dibs a big hug while they get their needle.”

At a vaccine clinic, therapy dogs can help ease patients’ anxiety and the fear associated with vaccinations, providing comfort and emotional support during a stressful experience. Their calming presence encourages positive interactions, making the process more pleasant for both children and adults.

Colette Keyko, Brynn’s mother, said she couldn’t agree more.

“That was awesome. It just made the world of difference. It made things so much easier for Brynn,” she said, her gratitude evident as she watched her daughter smile with Dibs.

“It helped me when I was getting my needles,” said six-year-old Brynn Keyko of her interaction with Dibs the therapy dog. (Brittany Caffet/650 CKOM)

As Dibs moves from one person to the next, his impact is clear.

“We always get smiles,” Arthur said. “We don’t have to talk about politics or the weather. We can talk about the dog, which is so much more exciting.”

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Dibs’ mission is simple, yet powerful.

“If Dibs made you smile, he gets a gold star,” Arthur laughed. “He gets an A+ for the day!”

Although the vaccine clinic at the Gordie Howe Events Centre has concluded for the season, you can stay updated on Dibs’ future visits by following him on Instagram.