Over the past two years, patients at Motol Hospital, the largest in the Czech Republic, have welcomed a variety of furry, four-legged visitors, accompanied by youthful chaperones.

Through seeing, patting, and playing with dogs, such patients have received a welcome reprieve from their hospital routine. The visits help them feel less isolated and offer emotional benefits, according to Karolina Eckschlagerova, a 19-year-old college student from Prague, who came up with the idea for the canine therapy program. Karolina, a long-time dog lover, was inspired by her doctor father and the time she herself has spent with cancer patients.

In 2004, Karolina and group of friends approached the Civil Society Development Foundation (NROS) for a grant through Make a Connection for their “Not Only People Help” project. Their request was approved and the group set out to train their favorite pets to assume important new roles as bedside companions.

After gaining approval from hospital administrators, group members began visiting patients, including children undergoing cancer treatment, psychiatric patients, and individuals receiving long-term care. In addition to weekly visits, the group organized special events, such as competitions and art workshops.

Karolina’s group was awarded a second grant in 2005, and its ranks grew to 20 volunteers. In addition to financial support, the group received training from NROS in project management and fundraising, which has enabled them to expand their base of support beyond Make a Connection.

Now a member of the country’s Make a Connection Alumni Club, Karolina is sharing the knowledge she has gained – and passion for service – with other program participants. Her project is one of more than 250 youth led volunteer projects supported through Make a Connection in the Czech Republic since the program’s inception in 2002. Through engaging in service activities, participants develop key life skills, such as confidence, empathy, teamwork, effective communication, conflict resolution, and goal-setting.