When we hear the word “hero,” our minds immediately jump to superheroes and brave humans who risk their lives to save others.

But heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and some of the most extraordinary heroes are right under our noses- or paws, rather. Meet Harley, the amazing canine who has been a source of comfort and support for caretakers and communities alike.

Who Is Harley?

Harley is a five-year-old Golden Retriever born in the UK. He is not your typical dog as he received special training to be a therapy animal.

Harley has worked as a therapy dog for over two years, and he has since made a significant impact on his community. He has become a cherished member of the healthcare team in his local hospitals and care centers.

What Is a Therapy Dog?

Therapy dogs are specially trained dogs that provide emotional support and comfort to individuals in a therapeutic setting.

They are trained to be friendly, calm, patient, and comfortable in different environments, such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster zones. Therapy dogs can help alleviate stress, loneliness, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. They have been proven to help lower blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels in people, reducing the risk of various health problems.

How Harley Made a Difference During Covid19 Pandemic?

When the Covid19 pandemic struck, it was an incredibly difficult time for healthcare professionals who were on the frontline of the battle.

Doctors, nurses, and other health workers were under tremendous pressure, working round the clock to save lives and prevent the spread of the virus. Many of them were isolated, stressed, and needed emotional support.

Harley became an essential part of the healthcare support team during the pandemic, offering his unique brand of canine comfort and care. He visited hospitals and care homes, providing health workers and patients with a warm, furry shoulder to lean on.

He obeyed social distancing, wearing a mask and keeping the visits brief but provided significant benefits to those he visited.

What Are Harley’s Characteristics?

Harley is a remarkable dog with an impressive personality. He is calm, patient, and affectionate, making him the perfect therapy dog.

His highly trained skills allow him to connect with people of all ages, whether the elderly in retirement homes or children at a school.

Harley is very playful, enthusiastic, and loves to snuggle, lift spirits at the hospitals, and help people forget about the stresses of everyday life.

He interacts with people as young as toddlers to senior adults who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s. Harley’s unconditional love and acceptance bring up a kind of positive energy that has an enormous impact on the people he meets.

How Harley Changed the Mental Health of Patients?

Through the thousands of visits he’s had with patients, Harley has helped significantly in changing people’s mental health. Many patients get a permanent smile as soon as Harley enters their rooms.

Some who have never spoken or smiled in months suddenly interact with the dog, and in turn, with the volunteer. This interaction is the first step towards improving mental health.

Harley’s positive influence has been life-changing for many patients. Patients with depression, anxiety, and stress have reported feeling happier and more relaxed after spending time with Harley.

According to Sarah, one of the volunteers that work with Harley, “Harley has the power to calm patients down, and sometimes the only things that could calm them are the touch on Harley’s soft fur or his sad eyes. When things get tough, he knows how to apply a gentle nudge to comfort someone, and that is the best thing a therapy dog does.”.

How Harley Impacted the Caretakers?

The pandemic has been challenging for everyone, especially caretakers of the elderly and the sick. They were working long hours, had no social life because of the lockdowns, and were always worried about the patients’ well-being.

Harley’s comforting presence significantly impacted caregivers and gave them renewed energy to care for their patients.

Harley was always welcomed around the healthcare professionals. They exchanged brief conversations with the healthcare workers on a “breakfast run” or a “coffee break”.

The health workers reported feeling uplifted and energized to resume work after a break spent with Harley.

Conclusion

It’s incredible to see how a therapy dog like Harley can have such a significant positive impact on a community. He has proven to be a vital mental health resource for healthcare workers and caregivers during the pandemic.

We’ve always known that dogs are man’s best friend, but Harley the Hero has taken that friendship to another level. He has touched the hearts and minds of everyone he meets, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and comfort individuals for years to come.