Jui-shan was about to start a Pet Therapy shift when she heard people calling her dog's name.
It was Beryl and Peter. Over the past months, Jui-shan and Bubu had visited their 40-year-old son, John, during his cancer treatment. Now John was terminally ill, and in palliative care.
Despite their sadness, Beryl and Peter were delighted to see them, and wanted to say thank you. They remembered the joy and calm Bubu brought to them all, and treasured the memory of Bubu curled up on the bed next to John's feet.
I have never seen faces light up like they do when a pet therapy dog enters a room.
Jui-shan
A big difference from a little dog
"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," says Jui-shan.
Dr Jui-shan Chang and Bubu have volunteered with our Pet Therapy program since 2018, visiting hospital patients, their families and staff.
"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."