“Doctor” Harley W. Davidson made the rounds Sunday afternoon in St. Andrew’s Ward at La Verendrye Hospital here.
And with a wag of tail, his prescription for the patients was simple: pet me.
The idea to bring the seven-and-a-half year old Pomeranian-Pug-Keeshond mix to the hospital that day was that of his family (consisting of Sherry Bonner-Vickers, her daughters, Kailey and Brittany, and Wayne Carlson) as they went there to pass along get-well soon wishes to patient Judy Carlson—Bonner-Vickers’ mother and Carlson’s wife.
“The nurses agreed to it because it’s therapeutic,” said Bonner-Vickers.
“He always brings lots of big smiles,” said Judy Carlson as the affectionate Harley hopped up on her bed.
Bonner-Vickers noted he’s a “very popular” dog wherever he goes, noting he once visited a zoo in a stroller and ended up drawing as much attention from other people as the animals that were supposed to be the star attractions.
“He’s such a friendly little guy,” said Wayne Carlson, who, along with Bonner-Vickers, agreed they wouldn’t mind bringing “Doctor” Harley back to the hospital to visit patients again—assuming nursing staff agreed to it.
After visiting his “grandma,” Harley went on to make the rounds for 10-15 minutes, visiting a few patients who came out of their rooms to see him. He also got to meet another visitor on the floor who brightened the rainy day for nursing staff and patients alike—15 month-old Cohen Felix, who happened to be visiting the ward that afternoon with his mother, Shae.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
