There is only one guide dog team in Hungary working in a hospital, where patients actually meet them during consultations. Ánizs and her handler, Zsuzsanna Kollár, were given this opportunity at the Clinical Centre of the University of Pécs, in the spirit of equal opportunity.

„Ánizs gave me my freedom back”

Zsuzsanna Kollár has worked in healthcare for 38 years. She is currently an anesthesiology assistant at the Clinical Centre of the University of Pécs (PTE), where pre-anesthesia consultations take place. Her vision is constantly deteriorating — she now sees only 10 percent within a narrow field. “It’s like looking at the world through binoculars,” she explained. She had fallen several times in the past year, and walking alone was no longer safe.

“Before I got Ánizs, I started to lose my freedom, which affected me mentally. It was very important for me not to depend on anyone, so I turned to the Baráthegyi Guide Dog School. As soon as I got Ánizs, I regained my independence. The world opened up for me. She watches my feet, so I can look ahead,” said Zsuzsanna.

Zsuzsanna and her guide dog in the park and in the clinic’s corridor

The little girl waking up after the surgery immediately wanted Ánizs

Three months after the application Ánizs arrived very soon, and they have been going to work together ever since. They are the only guide dog Team in Hungary that works in a hospital, in a word the patients meet them directly in the Clinic.  Zsuzsanna emphasized, that they were given this opportunity in the Clinic, in terms of equality.

Ánizs with the consulting doctor and her handler.

Zsuzsanna is a skilled and compassionate healthcare worker, and Ánizs, just by being present, brings smiles to the faces of both staff and patients. We had heard how popular they were, but we were still amazed by how much everyone adores this small yellow Labrador. She’ll turn three this summer, but many still think she’s a puppy — she’s that small and cute.

While we were speaking in the waiting room, a mother came up to Zsuzsanna and asked if her daughter, who had just undergone surgery, could see Ánizs again. Zsuzsanna agreed immediately, knowing how much that moment would mean to the child.

Where was this yellow Lab girl in the meantime? She was resting in a cozy corner of the office. The room is arranged so that everyone can see her, but she can relax in peace — which is essential after working. Most people coming for consultations like dogs, but for those who don’t, Ánizs stays quietly in her place until her handler calls her. If needed, patients are examined in a different room.

Ánizs resting in her designated spot in the office

Ánizs, the healing dog

“Sometimes, just looking at her puts someone in a good mood. Her presence calms patients down — some even ask specifically to see her. While I can’t always grant this, since she needs rest too, there are times when she makes all the difference. One patient became so nervous before a consultation that his blood pressure spiked. We let Ánizs sit with him — he played with her, stroked her, and in the meantime calmed down. His blood pressure dropped. He later gave Ánizs a little neck tag as a thank-you,” said Zsuzsanna.

Her handler said that Ánizs is important to the clinic’s staff as well, because she helps relieve the stress of their entire day.

Ánizs with doctors (Zsuzsa uses the leash to indicate to the dog where her space ends

“At the end of the shift, when there are no more patients in the corridor, the staff members happily play with her. Some colleagues even come in before their shift just to draw strength from her for the whole day. That’s why I’d like to ask people to support the foundation — because these guide dogs don’t just help people with visual impairments, they bring a smile to everyone’s face and relieve stress. So they don’t only help us, but everyone around them as well,” said Zsuzsanna.

Her handler usually exercises Ánizs in the clinic’s beautiful garden

Don’t wait until May— you can already donate 1% of your tax to the Baráthegyi Guide Dog School. 

You can be sure that your tax contribution will go to a good cause, as our foundation dedicates everything to training guide dogs.

Thank you on behalf of visually impaired owners!

You can now offer 1% of your tax for guide dog training through the NAV online platform by logging into your client portal here. It only takes five minutes, and you’ll be supporting a loyal guide dog!

And here’s some more good news! If you provide your mailing address, we will send you next year’s guide dog calendar along with our thank-you letter.

Our tax number: 18449149-1-05
Please support the Baráthegyi Guide Dog School with 1% of your tax!

You can read our tax 1% information here.