Dumped at a Rest Stop With a Broken Leg, Biscuit Now Works as a Hospital Therapy Dog
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The driver who found her thought she had been hit. She was lying on the verge of a motorway services, one hind leg at an angle it should not be, and she wagged when he crouched down. Eighteen months later, Biscuit makes rounds on a children's ward every Thursday, and the nurses say the quiet kids talk when she is in the room.
Key Takeaways
- Biscuit needed two orthopaedic surgeries and four months of rehabilitation.
- Her temperament assessment for therapy work was passed on the first attempt.
- Her story has raised funds for the rescue that took her in.
The rescue
The veterinary hospital that treated her found an old fracture that had partly healed wrong, and a fresh one. The rescue agreed to fund the surgery before they knew whether anyone would adopt a dog with a long recovery ahead.
The recovery
Crate rest, hydrotherapy twice a week, and a foster carer who slept on the sofa beside her for the first month. The foster carer is now her owner.
Becoming a therapy dog
Therapy work requires a dog that stays calm around wheelchairs, sudden noises and clumsy handling. Her assessor said the only concern was that she tried to climb into every bed.
What she does now
Weekly visits to the paediatric ward, plus a reading programme at a primary school. Her owner describes her as the most patient creature she has ever met.
Frequently Asked Questions
?How do I get my dog into therapy work?
Most hospitals work through a registered therapy-dog charity, which assesses temperament, health and handler skills. Dogs need to be at least a year old and fully vaccinated.
?Can a rescue dog with an injury history do therapy work?
Yes, as long as the dog is pain-free and comfortable being handled. Your vet will need to sign off.
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About Ben Halloway
Ben Halloway writes the Dog Stories section, tracking down the rescues, reunions and working dogs that readers send in and checking every detail with the people involved.
View all posts by Ben Halloway →
