Dogs reunite with owners in hospital through new 'Hospigos' project

Patients nearing the end of life or facing an uncertain prognosis at a hospital in northern Catalonia can now receive visits from their pet dogs.

Hospigos is a pioneering project at Santa Caterina Hospital in Salt, near Girona, which enables patients who cannot return home to say goodbye to their pets.

It also aims to improve the mood of patients with an uncertain prognosis, as visits from dogs can reduce anxiety and even boost patients' recovery.

There were nerves and emotions at the hospital on Monday as Perla and Rafel were reunited after more than three months apart: "She's like a daughter to me."

Perla and Rafel

Rafel has been hospitalized in Santa Caterina Hospital for more than three months and faces an uncertain prognosis.

During this time, he has not been able to see Perla, his son's 7-year-old dog, whom he has practically raised since she was a puppy.

"At home she only eats dog food, but when I go to my father's house, he would give her a piece of meat, a piece of bread. He spoiled her," says Rafel's son, Marc Ortiz.

"When we all had lunch together, the dog always sat next to my father," he adds.

That's why, when medical staff at the hospital told Ortiz about the Hospigos project that allows visits from family pets, they signed up.

Dewormed and groomed

In collaboration with the Girona College of Veterinarians, they followed a strict protocol to ensure that Perla meets all the conditions to enter the hospital.

The vets offer their services free of charge.

"Before coming here, we made sure that the vaccinations were up to date, we dewormed her and on Saturday she went to the hairdresser, a whole series of hygiene measures," Marc explains.

Reunited

At 10am the big moment arrived. Staff met Perla at the hospital entrance and accompanied the family to the room.

Inside, Rafel welcomed the dog with obvious emotion and joy.

"They recognized each other, obviously, but since Perla isn't allowed on the bed at home, at first she was getting on and off the bed and wouldn't stay still, but then there was licking and kissing," says Marc.

Rafel told reporters that Perla is "like a daughter."

"She loves me very much," he said.

It was a complete surprise to be able to receive a visit from Perla, Rafel said, adding that it was very moving to be able to see her again.