An unusual visit took place yesterday (Monday) at Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon, when volunteers from all over the country came to the hospital with their service dogs in order to encourage soldiers hospitalized there after being wounded during the "Iron Swords" war.
In cooperation with Ram 2 (the IDF unit to which medically unfit soldiers are attached to continue their regular service), Maj. Meitar Sela, who has been dealing with PTSD since Operation Protective Edge, decided to establish a special project using a subject close to her heart – service dogs.
Order 8 of sweetness. One of the dogs that arrived at the hospital // Photo: Barzilai Medical Center Spokesperson's Office
Since the project was established, about 150 volunteers have come to hospitals across the country to encourage the soldiers who were injured, body and soul, to try to relieve them, give them love and put a smile on their faces during such a difficult time – all through man's best friend. "If a dog feels you need it, it will be there for you," she says.
Beyond the encounter with the soldiers, the medical teams also received a hug, warmth and love from the sweet dogs – and thus, the morale of the wounded soldiers and those who care for them immediately rose and made everyone smile with happiness.
Volunteers with the service dogs at the hospital, photo: Barzilai Medical Center Spokesperson's Office
The medical staff also received love // Photo: Barzilai Medical Center Spokesperson's Office
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