Far North Dog Squad Handler Senior Constable Glen Buckle and Police Dog Daphne hopped into Cairns Hospital today, to spread some Easter cheer.
Officers from Cairns Police Station delivered stickers, balloons, colouring in books, toys and Easter eggs to patients spending the holiday in the children's and adolescent's wards.
The treats, donated by the Cairns Police Social Club, were greatly appreciated by the kids, but were significantly less exciting than cuddles with PD Daphne.
Senior Constable Glen Buckle said visiting patients at Cairns Hospital is rewarding for both him, and his Drug Detection Dog.
"We love seeing the smiles on these kids' faces when they get to give the dogs a pat, it's always great to take a break from our usual duties and spend time with them," Senior Constable Buckle said.
"Our Police Dogs may be highly skilled working dogs, but they can't resist pats and attention."
Cairns Hospital paediatrics nurse unit manager Rylie Lee Long said patients and staff loved interacting with Police Dogs.
"Police Dogs may play an extremely important role in law enforcement, but they're even more important to us because they fill our hearts with such joy to see them.
"We know very well that dogs have been proven to reduce stress, anxiety and depression and lower levels of loneliness and boredom.
"Many of our young patients have their own furry friends waiting at home for them, and in some cases unfortunately it can be some time before they can be reunited.
"So having the ability to pat and play with the four-legged members of the Far North Dog Squad can make their day, week or month," said Ms Lee Long.
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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