Career paws as Hobart hospital dog bows out
A volunteer at Hobart's Calvary Hospital is putting her paws up after a lifetime of service.
Millie-Mae the labrador is retiring after 10 years brightening the days of the sick and elderly.
She did not cut it as a guide dog so in 2003 started visiting patients at the Lenah Valley hospital.
Volunteer Robin Taylor accompanies Millie-Mae on her twice-weekly visits to the wards.
She says the 12-year-old retiree has brought comfort to scores of patients.
"We visit the patients, especially the elderly, they really enjoy a visit and especially if they have pets at home who they really miss," she said.
"She brings a lot of joy, I think it's a nice distraction from hospital routine."
At a special retirement party, Millie-Mae was presented with a toy as a memento of her service and then "chowed down" a new bone.
The hospital is now on the hunt for a new canine friend for patients.
Her retirement comes as an Adelaide University research team announces a study investigating the benefits of animal companionships in hospital.
They want to help develop guidelines for support groups and healthcare professionals.
