Boots the Therapy Dog

22/05/2025

🐶

20/05/2025

Hey! They are talking about me on the radio! 🐾

20/05/2025

What a fun visit! 🥳

Last week, staff and patients at the Whangārei Children’s Ward welcomed a surprise visit from MOREFM Northland, to celebrate the first birthday of the Childrens ward and Neonatal Unit within the Te Kotuku Building.

John Markby arrived bearing balloons, treats and a contagious smile as the local radio team moved throughout the Children’s ward and Neonatal Unit listening to heart-warming stories from families using the service.

Patients gave emotional thanks to the loving team who work there, having made their stays bearable and trust in the staff was praised above all.

One young family said that they couldn’t fault the facilities and appreciated all of the assistance they had been given in their frightening beginning journey to parenthood.

“We are hopefully nearly ready to go home, and we will never forget these wonderful people,” mentioned a new father as he looked at his tiny newborn baby.

“The facility is a gift for the whānau and tamariki of Te Tai Tokerau. We hope it is a healing, calming space in what can be a really stressful time,” said Yvonne Hunter, Service Manager Neonatal and Child Health.

The neonatal unit showcases an underwater theme on the walls, creating a calm environment for Mum and baby.

The children's ward corridors give out more of a foreshore vibe, offering relaxation for the families as well as something unique to talk about.

“We make sure our patients are comfortable and cared for,” says Judith Hapi, Clinical Nurse Manager.

The next stop was to see a young man who had been in the children's ward when he was a baby, fondly remembered by Jude all these years later.

The now fifteen-year-old, chatted happily to John, and fell in love with Boots the Therapy Dog who had tagged along for the day wearing his best party clothes.

His father mentioned that it was the first time in the Te Kotuku building and it had been very comfortable for them.

Another father in the next room raved about being able to support his son, tag teaming with his wife on a welcoming chair, also thanking the kind-hearted team for their friendly stay.

Laughter and smiles spread from room to room as the ward celebrated their milestone and how far they had come to be able to provide the community with such a welcoming facility.

Concluding the visit in the playroom, John had the opportunity to chat to the hardworking staff who give their all for the patients and work hard to provide wrap around care for families.

“Happy Birthday,” John sincerely wishes them.

The well-known photo of the grandmother and child holding hands on a road farewells families as they leave the ward. Combined with the famous words:

“Take care of our children. Take care of what they hear. Take care of what they see, take care of what they feel. For how the children grow, so will the shape of Aotearoa” - Dame Whina Cooper.

20/05/2025

First time allowed to walk through town!

Apparently the city centre is dog friendly now 🐾 cool! Means I can go a bit further on Mums lunch breaks!

Seemed pretty human friendly too, some people were a bit strange... hanging about... but I did hear a nice lady say it must be nice coat day...

I think she was talking about my nice coat.

12/05/2025

05/05/2025

Love me a car ride!

24/04/2025

🐾

Tricks for treats at Jim Carney Cancer Treatment Centre last week, while visiting wards.

Boots the Therapy Dog ... putting smiles on staff and patients faces 🐾

14/04/2025

Bring back the sun 🐾

10/04/2025

"I got to check out the hospital shuttle today!" 🐾

02/04/2025

🐾

"Look who I found today! Amanda!!!

Amanda is a District Nursing Administrator and has been here for four years. She does a lot of answering phones and loading documents - she really loves her team."

- Boots the Therapy Dog

27/03/2025

🐾🐾

|| HELLO ||

"Today... I couldn't sit still, so I went and met Rose." 👋

"Rose works in Community Services as our lovely Receptionist 💟 She checks in patients and interacts with people coming in for their appointments. Rose keeps things light and settled, often knowing everyone by name. This helps calm any anxiety that patients may have. I like helping people too."

"Rose is nice." - Boots the Therapy Dog 🐾

19/03/2025