Four Paws, One Big Heart: Therapy Dog Khai Delivers Comfort and Calm to Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy at University Hospital Galway

Patients and staff at the Radiation Oncology Centre at University Hospital Galway have welcomed a very special new team member. Khai, an Irish Therapy Dog, who has already left a lasting impression following his debut visit to the centre earlier this month.

Once a week, Khai proudly dons his Irish Therapy Dog uniform and trots through the doors of the Radiation Oncology Centre with a simple mission: to bring comfort, calm and connection to patients undergoing cancer treatment.

With his wagging tail and gentle presence, Khai is providing warmth, reassurance and moments of positivity to patients, families and staff in what can often be an anxious environment.

Whether resting his head beside a patient, greeting staff with quiet enthusiasm, or offering a calming presence in waiting areas, Khai’s visits are proving that sometimes the best medicine comes with four legs and a wet nose.

Stephen Coyne, Radiation Oncology Services Manager at University Hospital Galway, said Khai’s impact was immediate. “Radiotherapy treatment can be an anxious experience for many patients, and from the moment Khai arrived, there was an immediate sense of calm and positivity throughout the unit.

“People who may have been quietly sitting on their own in the waiting area suddenly begin interacting with Khai, and before long those conversations continued naturally between patients themselves.

“It is genuinely lovely to see the effect on both patients and staff. His visits lift the whole department and create moments of connection, comfort and conversation that stay long after he has trotted out the door.”

And while Khai may be charming, he is also highly professional. He understands that hygiene is essential in a clinical setting. Every visit is carefully managed to ensure the highest standards of hygiene, safety and infection prevention are maintained, with clean paws an essential part of his routine before beginning his rounds.

Khai’s owner and handler Áine Ní Fhlaithearta said the impact of his visits is felt as soon as they arrive. “From the moment we walk through the door, you can feel the atmosphere change. There is something incredibly powerful about the comfort Khai brings without saying a single word.

“If he can provide even a few moments of comfort, distraction or happiness to someone during a difficult day, then that is very special.”

Khai and Áine are proud members with Irish Therapy Dogs, which provides comfort and companionship through therapeutic dog visits to hospitals, nursing homes, disability centres, and special schools throughout Ireland.

Patients have also described Khai’s visits as uplifting and heartening during what can be a challenging time.

In a place defined by courage, resilience and hope, Khai has become an unexpected but treasured companion, reminding everyone that healing is not only about medicine and machines, but also about moments of kindness, companionship and connection.

As he makes his weekly rounds in his therapy uniform, Khai is delivering an important message to patients and staff alike: sometimes bravery arrives quietly on four paws.