Dog therapy in Liv’s legacy
A paw-some experience has been boosting spirits within the eating disorder program at Alfred Health. With support from The Alfred Foundation, Liv’s Loving Paws dog therapy program was launched in February.
Founder of the program, in memory of his daughter Liv, Robb Evans was thrilled to see its launch in the spirit of love and remembrance.
“Liv’s Loving Paws is a beacon of hope and healing dedicated to our beloved Liv, who we tragically lost to anorexia nervosa at just 15 years old last year,” he said.
“Liv’s Loving Paws is more than a program; it’s a legacy, a testament to Liv’s kind spirit and our collective commitment to making a difference.
“The journey to this point has been a mix of emotions. There’s a profound sense of achievement and hope in realising that what once was a vision to honour Liv’s memory has now materialised into a tangible program that promises to make a difference in the lives of children suffering from eating disorders.”
It was only due to the overwhelming generosity of friends, family and kind-hearted souls from across the globe that allowed this vision to turn into a reality, Robb said.
“Every donation to Liv’s GoFundMe page has been a ray of light in our darkest times,” he said. “We had donations from young girls who knew Liv, donating their pocket money, to business colleagues of mine located in the United States.
“Each contribution, regardless of its size, gets me emotional and represents a shared belief in the transformative power of empathy and care.”
The program, developed in collaboration with Alfred Health, is designed to bring comfort, joy and unconditional love to children suffering from eating disorders.
These special therapy dogs are not just pets; they are trained companions that offer support, reduce stress and anxiety, and provide a non-judgmental presence that encourages healing and recovery.
“It’s a program inspired by Liv’s own love for animals and her understanding nature, reflecting her belief in kindness and support for those in need,” Robb said.
“As we move forward, I remain hopeful that Liv’s Loving Paws will serve as a model for similar initiatives, inspiring further research and adoption of holistic treatments that address the emotional and psychological needs of patients alongside traditional medical care.
“Together, we are making a difference, one paw at a time.”
The program is aiming to eventually have two sessions a week with a dog, present around the time of nursing appointments.
