Daniel Trotta

SAN DIEGO (Reuters] – A 9-year old girl stares down at the glint on a hypodermic pen.

Ollie is a six-year-old goldendoodle therapy puppy who helps children at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego with anxiety related to getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Ollie, along with 14 other pets from the PetSmart Paws for Hope Canine Therapy Program, have helped children aged 5-11 since becoming eligible for this vaccine.

Americans are against shots across the country because they fear mistrust from the rapid rollout of vaccines, concerns about side effects, or, in some cases, fears fueled by false rumors. The vaccines will cause severe side effects in children, so they are scared.

Avery Smith was 9 years old when she saw Rady at the vaccine clinic. She was in tears. Ollie then came in to sit at Avery’s feet. Kelli Donahue from Avery Mother took pictures of the mother and her dog with Olive, Avery’s sister.

“It was helpful because I hadn’t had COVID before, and didn’t really know how it felt. Avery stated that seeing the dog helped him calm down.

The dogs had been working before the vaccination to bring joy to children admitted to the hospital. Many of these patients are fighting cancer and other illnesses that can demoralize their families, staff, and patients.

Sometimes a parent might say that Ollie is asleep after surgery but they would like to pet him. Kristin, 75, is Ollie’s former hospital program director and volunteer in canine therapy. They can cuddle up to the dog, and they feel great.

Some 20,000 canine visits were halted last year when COVID restrictions came into effect. The restrictions were lifted three months ago.

“There wasn’t anything. It was still. Carlos Delgado spoke on behalf of the hospital. “The kids were bored.” We are grateful that we could bring the program back. It makes all the difference, even if it is just a quick visit to see a canine.