As temperatures dip well below freezing, many Manitobans look forward to the promised warm-up in the coming days. But for those in attendance at the grief session at the Morden Activity Center, warmth already arrived—courtesy of a four-legged friend named Piper.
A unique approach to grief support
Jerri-Ann Froese, Boundary Trails Health Centre (BTHC) Palliative Care Program's Volunteer Coordinator, and Sheila Reimer, Piper’s handler, share the impact of therapy animals in grief support.
“We walk with people who have lost a loved one and just want to support them,” said Froese. “And this is where Sheila and Piper come in, providing therapy in the form of dog companionship.”
Piper, a six-year-old golden retriever, has been making rounds at BTHC since October 2022, offering comfort to patients, staff, and families alike.
Certified to care
Reimer and Piper are part of the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program, a certification process that required an orientation, criminal record checks, and a rigorous set of exercises.
“I started in May 2022 and had to travel to Winnipeg for certification,” Reimer explained. “By September, Piper passed with flying colors, and in October, we began our visits to the hospital.”
A Bright Spot for Patients and Staff
While Piper’s visits bring joy to patients and their families, it’s often the hospital staff who experience the greatest benefits.
“The staff really love seeing her,” said Reimer. “When I walk in on Wednesday mornings, they always ask, ‘Is Piper coming?’ It’s a highlight of their day.”
Froese agreed, noting that morale was low after the challenges of COVID-19. “Sheila and Piper help lift people’s spirits. It’s such a meaningful contribution.”
Memorable moments with Piper
Reimer shared a particularly touching story from Tabor Home, where she and Piper also visit.
“There was an elderly resident who never left her bed and was nonverbal. The next time I visited, she was up, had her hair done, and was speaking again—because she knew Piper was coming,” Reimer recalls. “It was amazing to see.”
Piper also visits cancer care units, where her presence provides comfort to those undergoing treatment.
Free sessions for the community
The February grief session, featuring Piper and Reimer, took place February 19th at the Morden Activity Center, providing a welcoming space for healing. Your next opportunity to take part in a grief session presented by BTHC, is March 17th, 1:30 PM, also at the Morden Activity Center. The remaining sessions are as follows:
Spring Cleaning Through Grief
March 17, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Hope Blossoms
April 28, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Speak Their Name
May 26, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Survival Skills
June 16, 2025 at 1:30 PM
“It’s an honor to have Sheila and Piper join us,” said Froese. “We’re always looking for new ways to meet people where they’re at, and this is a perfect example of that.”
For those looking for warmth in the midst of winter’s chill, Piper is ready to offer it—one wag at a time.