Paws for comfort

When a child is seriously ill, the whole family feels the impact. Freemasons Foundation Victoria supported the Ronald McDonald House Pet Therapy Program, harnessing the healing power of animals to comfort sick children and ease the stress on families.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria & Tasmania (RMHC VIC & TAS) exists to ease the burden of illness by providing a welcoming “home-away-from-home”, close to major paediatric hospitals. Families are offered free accommodation, meals, laundry facilities, support services and, just as importantly, opportunities to connect with others facing similar challenges.

With support from FFV and Gregorios Lodge, RMHC introduced a Pet Therapy Program for families staying at its Victorian Houses. Delivered in partnership with the Lort Smith Pet Therapy service, the program offers 24 sessions across nine months, where trained volunteers and their therapy dogs spend time with children and parents.

The benefits of the human–animal bond go far beyond companionship. Research shows that interacting with therapy dogs can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve mood and help families feel more resilient and connected. For children missing their own pets or feeling anxious about hospital treatment, these visits provide moments of joy and calm.

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Families and staff have spoken about the positive impact, such as the animals’ presence giving their child something to look forward to and de-stress with upon returning from treatment at hospital.

With Pet Therapy, the Gregorios Lodge community have a rare opportunity to see the results of our contribution in action. The joy on the faces of children who are unwell, the smiles that brighten their day, and the comfort that the Therapy dogs bring are unforgettable.

These moments remind us that our support goes beyond numbers on a page or money deposited into an account-it brings real, immediate happiness to people who need it most.”

Carlos Quiroga WM, Gregorios Lodge

With initiatives like Pet Therapy, RMHC VIC & TAS continues to create safe, supportive spaces for families navigating some of their toughest times.