A black Labrador named Lachie is making a significant impact on cancer patients at Canberra Hospital. His gentle presence has provided comfort to those undergoing treatment, including 74-year-old cancer survivor Rosheen Schiller, who found solace during her recovery from surgery.
Rosheen Schiller was in a hospital bed recovering from surgery on her tongue when Lachie entered her ward, laying down at the foot of her bed. She recalls the moment vividly: “I was very distressed but the day that he walked into the room, I just melted. He’s just a magnificent animal. He just came and sat next to me, and I felt calm for the first time.”
Lachie’s ability to sense human distress has made him a valuable companion for patients facing fear and anxiety. Rosheen’s daughter, Lauren Parker, noted that her mother was unable to move much after surgery. “He just lay beside her. She couldn’t reach him with her hands, but she could stroke him with her feet. It lifted her spirits in a way nothing else had.”
As Rosheen returned to Canberra Hospital for ongoing treatment, Lachie was there to help ease her mental pain. She recounted, “He came and put his paw on me. I felt like he understood. He is the most perceptive animal I’ve ever known.”
Lachie serves as a therapy dog alongside his owner, Chris Dudfield, who is the manager of Spiritual Support Services at Canberra Hospital. Dudfield explained that Lachie plays a crucial role in easing the tension in often difficult situations. He noted that Lachie helps people open up during moments of grief, saying, “They start talking about love and what end of life looks like, and all the time, Lachie is looking at them and putting a paw on their hand or their leg.”
Originally trained as a guide dog, Lachie has developed a unique ability to provide comfort to patients. Dudfield elaborated, “If I say, ‘Go say hi,’ he’ll move closer. I can put him up close to beds, and he will sit and put his muzzle in someone’s hands.”
Rosheen first met Lachie through her daughter, who is a nurse at the hospital. Following her surgery, Rosheen struggled with feelings of isolation and despair. “Being in hospital, away from home, her husband, and her animals, was incredibly hard,” Lauren explained. She reached out to Dudfield, requesting a visit from Lachie for her mother.
The visit proved transformative for Rosheen. “When Lachie came in, something shifted immediately,” Lauren said. The emotional bond was evident when Rosheen learned she was cancer-free and embraced Lachie, bursting into tears of joy. “He’d been part of her journey through some of the hardest moments, and it was beautiful that she could also associate him with something positive.”
Lachie’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. He is set to receive an award at the Australian War Memorial, which annually recognizes the exceptional actions of animals in service to the community. The upcoming awards in 2026 will also posthumously honor explosive detection dog Flo Joe, who served in Afghanistan before passing away at home in 2014.
This heartwarming story highlights the profound impact that animals like Lachie can have on human lives, especially during challenging times. As the community continues to recognize the importance of therapy animals, Lachie’s gentle spirit serves as a reminder of the healing power of companionship.
