Epworth Geelong’s first Lort Smith therapy dog has logged her first month on the job.
Three-year-old labrador Zetta will regularly visit Epworth Geelong with her owner, Belmont resident Jane O’Brien, to bring comfort and joy to both patients, staff and doctors.
It’s a career change for the high-achieving Zetta, who featured in the Geelong Advertiser in 2023 while training to become an Australian Border Force (ABF) detector dog.
Zetta did not end up working as a detector dog as she was instead selected for the ABF breeding program and had one litter of 5 puppies. She was also chosen to participate in international educational workshops with handlers and instructors.
The O’Briens fostered Zetta as a puppy through the ABF detector dog foster program and were thrilled to be able to adopt her when she recently retired.
“Zetta has an exceptional nature, she is very gentle and caring, and we felt she would be suited to giving her time and love to the patients and staff of Epworth Geelong,” Jane said.
“She has undergone assessment with Lort Smith Pet Therapy who have been supporting us to learn some new skills. It will take a little time for her to get used to the hospital and the different areas she will visit, however she is a very clever girl and will settle into it in no time.
“We are very grateful for the opportunity to volunteer our time to brighten the day for Epworth patients at a time that they may be missing their own pets or need a little distraction.”
Australian Border Force (ABF) Acting Inspector Jeffrey Goudey said the ABF’s Detector Dog Program (DDP) team were looking forward to seeing Zetta bringing happiness to those in need of it.
“ABF detector dogs are known for their roles at our airports, seaports, and air and mail cargo facilities, helping keep our border safe and secure, but their remarkable abilities and innate qualities have other applications too.
“Zetta will be remembered for her service to the ABF, importantly, birthing a litter of ABF detector dog puppies, and for her calm temperament and playful nature.”
Evidence suggests therapy dogs can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and even alleviate pain.
Jane knows first-hand the positive impact that programs like pet therapy can have for patients. She has been a patient and carer at Epworth Richmond and Epworth Geelong and volunteers her time as a consumer advisor, using her personal experience to help improve services for other Epworth patients.
“Volunteering as a consumer advisor to help improve patient experience has been incredibly rewarding for me,” Jane said.
“In my time at home recovering from procedures, Zetta has been the most wonderful distraction. I honestly don’t think I could have got through the hard days without her and the joy she has brought to our family.
“For that reason, I am keen to share her with the patients and staff of Epworth to hopefully brighten people’s day with some pats and cuddles!”
Epworth and Lort Smith have partnered to bring therapy dogs into Epworth hospitals for more than two years, thanks to dedicated volunteers like Jane.
”We are so excited to bring our pet therapy services to Epworth Geelong,” said Megan Nutbean, Community Programs Manager at Lort Smith.
”At Lort Smith we believe in and promote the benefits of the human-animal bond which goes beyond companionship.
“This bond refers to the strong positive interaction that exists between humans and animals – the special cohesive relationship that enhances human quality of life and has the power to heal.The therapeutic benefits of the human-animal bond are well documented, and can include emotional, psychological, physical and spiritual benefits.
“We have found that, on many occasions, a hug or moment spent connecting with an animal provides much-needed comfort and stress relief.”
Kylie Semple, Epworth Medical Foundation Volunteer Services Manager, said Zetta’s presence at Epworth Geelong immediately lit up people’s faces.
“Pet therapy offers a gentle, non-clinical form of care that supports healing by reducing stress and encouraging emotional connection,” Kylie said.
“A visit from Zetta could change the tone of a patient’s entire day by bringing moments of joy, reassurance, and normality at a time when it’s needed most. Healing doesn’t always come from medicine – sometimes it comes with a wagging tail.”
