On the dog

Stephan Kruips' dog in conversation with the German CF-newsletter MUKOinfo.

Barney: Hello, I'm Barney, I call myself a “CF therapy dog.” CF sufferers are often real couch potatoes, but I'll turn you into a long-distance runner! Along the way, I'll also promote social development and reduce stress. Actually, I should be available on prescription...

MUKOinfo: Barney, how did you come up with the idea of wanting to treat CF sufferers?

Barney: People with cystic fibrosis simply cannot achieve the recommended three hours of exercise per week without the help of animals. Living with dogs is generally good for people with chronic illnesses (1).

MUKOinfo: Aren't you rejected by children? CF sufferers hate therapy!

Barney: We're clever: we play with the child, and suddenly there are more happiness hormones in the brain and fewer stress hormones in the blood. Children can burn off excess energy with us, learn responsibility, and enjoy life more. “Lucky you,” as they say, right? And by the way, the same applies to adults!

MUKOinfo: But won't I develop an allergy to your hair?

Barney: Don't be a frog - it's a fact that we don't increase the risk of allergies. Healthy babies even cough less when we take good care of them. Only if you have a dog allergy should you keep your distance from us.

MUKOinfo: And what about germs? Don't you infect people with something?!

Barney: Don't let anyone pull the wool over your eyes. The German Robert Koch Institute (2) recently examined 75 pets belonging to CF patients: only five (one of them a dog) had the same germs as the CF patient. MRSA is rare here, but veterinary practices can be contaminated. There have been reports of transmission to a CF patient, but both were MRSA-free again after treatment (3).

MUKOinfo: Do you at least wash your paws regularly?

Barney: Are you kidding? Of course not! If you cuddle with me, YOU have to wash your hands! But then I won't sleep in your bed – doggy honor.

The interview with his dog Barney was conducted by Stephan Kruip, 1st Chairman of Mukoviszidose e.V. , first published in the German newsletter MUKOinfo in 02/2014. (sources in bracktes can be provided by the author)

What other CF patients think about us dogs:

Nadine Narounigg: “I am very happy to have a dog; he enriches my life in every way. I walk him every day.”

Nicole Müller: “The dog definitely has a positive influence on CF: he is the best comforter when I'm feeling down.”

Eva Schratzenstaller: “Since I've had the dog, I have to exercise, and as a result I'm fitter and much less susceptible to illness. Before, I was a lazybones.”