The Affinity Foundation and the Sagrat

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Cor University Hospital (HUSC) have launched Together + Strong , a dog-assisted therapy program that aims to contribute to the cognitive and emotional recovery of fragile patients and/or those who have been admitted to hospital. the ICU.

Through the Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Unit for Addressing Fragility, Sagrat De Cell Number Cor Hospital is committed to integrating therapies that contribute to the well-being and recovery of autonomy of fragile patients. Our program works along these lines, participating in rehabilitation, physiotherapy and speech therapy sessions which include specific moments of interaction between patients and dogs.

Frail patients present with respiratory problems, musculoskeletal deficiencies such as back pain and weakness in the extremities, and in general a state in which it is necessary to be very careful. For this reason, the Together, +Strongs program is created tailored to this context and the coordination of medical professionals with the Affinity Foundation therapy team is necessary.

The program addresses the physical and cognitive/emotional areas. On the one hand, we work on improving patient mobility, physical stability, strength in the extremities and reducing the risk of falls. For example, exercises such as having the dog step under your legs help improve balance and body awareness. On the other hand, the dog works as a motivating element not only on a physical level but also emotionally since the patient's contact with the animal helps reduce anxiety and improves their emotional state.




As in other programs carried out by the Affinity Foundation , the emotional factor is key to the success of the therapy. As Maribel Vila, head of therapies at Fundación Affinity, states, “working with dogs makes rehabilitation sessions more fun and enjoyable. The simple presence of the animals makes these people feel more supported and have more motivation to attend and participate. Through interaction with the dog and different activities, in which we work in a fully coordinated manner with the physiotherapists, the animal becomes the center of the action. Only in this way can we influence the needs of these patients and create a safe space to work on the emotions that arise during the recovery process .