Police Dog Neo makes special visit to sick kids in Cairns hospital

A Cairns police dog has temporarily taken over chocolate delivery duties from the Easter bunny at Cairns hospital’s pediatric ward.

He’s not a rabbit, but he’s a very good boy.

A Cairns police dog took over chocolate delivery duties from the Easter bunny at Cairns hospital’s pediatric ward this week.

Police Dog Neo and his handler Senior Constable Felipe Peraza hopped along to the children’s ward to deliver Easter cheer, to the region’s youngest patients who will spend the holiday in hospital.

Sick children in the Cairns Hospital over Easter received a special visit from Queensland Police dog Neo on Thursday, who handed out Easter eggs and lots of pats. Picture: Brendan Radke

“It’s always amazing to see the kids eyes light up when the dog comes in. Obviously it’s a rough time for them and whatever we can do to try and cheer them up and help them through their rough time is really good,” Snr Const. Peraza said.

Regional Case Manager for pediatric oncology Caroline Windsor said having visitors on the pediatric, pediatric oncology and the adolescent ward was exciting for children staying in hospital over the holiday period.

Sick children in the Cairns Hospital over Easter received a special visit from Queensland Police dog squad officer Senior Constable Filipe Peraza and police dog Neo on Thursday, who handed out Easter eggs and lots of pats. Police dog Neo brings some holiday joy to River-Jay Tuimauga, 5, in hospital for an operation. Picture: Brendan Radke

“You don’t need me to tell you how good it is, seeing the looks on the kids faces and the families when they see somebody from the community coming in to touch base with them. It’s really important over Easter and Christmas, so we really appreciate QPS coming in today,” Ms Windsor said.

Originally published as Police Dog Neo makes special visit to sick kids in Cairns hospital