The Rainier III Center welcomes its first canine collaborator.

The Rainier III Center (CRIII) has just introduced Sépia, a young 3-year-old female Labrador, the new therapy dog of the establishment.

Now recognized for its benefits, animal-assisted therapy is part of the range of non-drug therapies, offering new tools in patient care. This practice is increasingly used by medical-care teams, as the presence of the animal, in addition to providing comfort and affection, helps patients express their emotions more easily, open up, and reduce stress.

Sépia’s arrival at the CRIII is the result of a long training process lasting 8 months. Trained by the instructor of Guide Dogs for the Blind in PACA Corsica, in collaboration with hospital teams, Sépia was gradually integrated into the structure, ensuring both the animal’s well-being and therapeutic effectiveness for the beneficiaries.

The young dog is now considered a true collaborator, with her intervention schedule for patients, in both group and individual sessions.

These sessions are prepared in advance during meetings of the care team to determine which patients may benefit from Sépia’s calming presence.

The animal’s presence directly impacts the well-being and comfort of patients, contributing to the creation of a welcoming and reassuring environment for them.