The Far North Dog Squad have continued their long-running tradition of visiting the children's and adolescent's ward at Cairns Hospital, to spread Easter cheer.
Police Dog Daphne donned her best booties and bunny ears to solicit pats from children spending the holiday in hospital, along with her handler Senior Constable Glen Buckle and Officer in Charge Sergeant Dan Fysh.
Officers from Cairns Station and Edmonton Station delivered Easter eggs, toys, stickers and colouring in books, donated by the Cairns Police Social Club.
Sergeant Dan Fysh said visiting Cairns Hospital at Easter is one of his favourite days of the year.
"While our detection dogs are highly skilled at sniffing out illicit items, they are really just big softies who love pats from anyone willing to give them," Sergeant Fysh said.
"It's always great to take a break from our usual duties to visit the staff and patients at Cairns Hospital and try to put a smile on their faces.
"It's important that we take time to connect with the community, so we're grateful to Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service for hosting us again."
Cairns Hospital paediatrics department nurse unit manager Rylie Lee Long said being in hospital can be a stressful and sometimes frightening experience for children, so having a friendly police dog come in and spend time with them helped to lift spirits and create positive memories.
"The connection between children and animals is incredibly powerful. Even a short visit can help reduce stress and provide comfort during what can be a very challenging time," she said.
"We're so grateful to the police service for making this visit possible. It's a wonderful example of community partnerships supporting the wellbeing of our patients.
"For many of our patients, this will be something they remember long after they leave hospital – and that's really special."
Far North Police and Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Easter.
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