Hospital dog helps ill teenager to walk again

Poppy the labradoodle is believed to be the country's first canine paediatric physio.

The loveable pooch helped a young Addenbrooke’s patient who came close to death after a serious infection.

13-year-old Evie Evans was unable to walk after significant muscle weakening following two months of heavy sedation. 

Now she is back on her feet after what’s thought to be the country’s first NHS paediatric physiotherapy project involving a dog.

It follows a successful trial with adult patients and Addenbrooke’s volunteers, and Pets As Therapy (PAT) launched last year.

Evie, who has Down Syndrome, started her treatment sitting with Poppy, gently throwing a ball, and reaching out with treats, or a pat. 

Eventually she was able to take Poppy for a walk.

Photo: Cambridge University Hospitals

Mum Sara watched Evie’s progress over several weekly sessions at the Addenbrooke's gym:

"Poppy the PAT dog got Evie to do things she wouldn’t have done otherwise – we call it ‘Poppy power’!

"It was because Poppy was there that Evie first stood with her at the parallel bars. 

"Eventually she found the courage to hold Poppy’s lead and walk along. 

"It was an amazing moment for everyone."

Evie's courage blossomed and, despite many challenges, Evie is now at home and will walk to the dinner table this Christmas Day with the aid of her sticks and loving family. 

The PAT project started as a three-month pilot in the summer and is now permanent. 

The team have helped nearly 40 young patients with brain injuries, broken bones, developmental impairments, diseases and muscle weakness like Evie’s.