Resident dog Scout helps heal patients and staff at Hamilton mental health hospital

Six months on the job and the "bestest boy" at St. Joseph's hospital is already unleashing a sense of hope and inspiration among patients and staff. 

His name is Scout — a gentle 125-pound Leonberger who spends his weekdays visiting about 30 forensic unit patients at the St. Joe's West 5th campus, which offers mental health and addictions services.

Scout is the first resident therapy dog at any hospital in the country, to his coworkers' knowledge, and a long overdue addition to the team, said Dr. Gary Chaimowitz, Scout's boss and head of forensic psychiatry. It's also a first for a forensic unit.

"Many of our patients are here for an extended amount of time and they've lost contact with people who are meaningful in their lives," Chaimowitz said. 

"Bringing somebody as warm and enduring and inspiring as our staff member Scout is just an absolute asset for us."

'Scout raises our spirits'

The forensic psychiatry program cares for patients with mental illnesses accused of crimes, or found not criminally responsible or unfit to stand trial. Patients may have psychotic illnesses, addictions and personality disorders. 

Research suggests therapy animal visits can help lower mental health patients' anxiety and depression, said Chaimowitz. He's seen the same shifts in the forensic unit.

"We do all sorts of things with medications and therapy, but having an interaction with Scout raises our spirits," he said. "And I hope other mental health programs and forensic programs follow suit because our experience has just been so amazing."

The idea of having a resident dog began in 2018, said Ashley Palmer, recreation therapist at St. Joe's. 

She saw how patients enjoyed interacting with dogs through an obedience training program and when that was no longer possible during the pandemic, she and her colleagues looked for a big, floofy alternative. 

In came Scout, officially adopted by St. Joe's hospital when he was eight weeks old, said Palmer, who took on the role of his foster mom. Scout lives with her and her family, where he eats three pounds of food a day and plays with her dog Oreo. 

Scout completed a year of obedience training before taking on the job full time. 

"The patients always refer to him as the bestest boy, which is lovely to hear," said Palmer. "He doesn't care about your diagnosis or what's going on."

She said some patients have taught him tricks, like how to high five, or will throw the ball for him outside. Others will sit and talk to him, sure he'll keep their secrets.

"There's no judgment. We never turn anyone away," Palmer said. "He's a generous boy, a gentle giant." 

Loping through the hospital with a toy in mouth Tuesday, Scout is stopped by nearly everyone, his deep brown eyes welcoming pets and words of affection. 

"Maybe we will see you next time, Scout," said one woman as she waved goodbye.