Taiwan's First Guide Dog Turned Therapy Dog, "Oba", Retires

Taipei Veterans General Hospital, renowned for its warmth and care, introduced a guide dog turned therapy dog, "Oba", to its palliative care ward in July 2016. Oba became the first therapy dog in Taiwan to be stationed in a hospital, providing comfort and healing to countless patients and their families. Since February 2017, Oba has been working diligently, and after seven years of service, is set to retire this year.

Dr. Chen Wei-ming, the hospital's director, expressed his reluctance to see Oba go, stating that Oba will become an honorary employee of the hospital, continuing to bring warmth and joy. Chen emphasized that Oba, as Taiwan's first hospital-based therapy dog, has spent over six years accompanying patients at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, using its warm presence to soothe the hearts of many patients and their families, making it the most beloved and special "employee" in the hospital.

As Oba ages, it will retire with honor but will not bid farewell entirely. It will frequently return to visit old colleagues and remain an honorary employee, continuing to spread warmth and laughter. The hospital will care for Oba like family during its retirement, ensuring its life remains filled with love and happiness. Every time Oba sees Dr. Chen, it circles around him asking for treats, a testament to the strong bond they share.

Dr. Chen noted that Taipei Veterans General Hospital was ranked 218th globally by Newsweek in 2024 and rose to 208th in 2025, becoming the only hospital in Taiwan to consistently rank among the top 250 globally for two consecutive years. This achievement is not only due to the collective efforts of its staff but also the heartwarming companionship of Oba, which has been an important factor behind this success.

Recently, former President Tsai Ing-wen, known for her affection for animals, visited Oba with homemade beef jerky from Paraguay to commend its long-standing dedication to patients' mental health. Dr. Chen described the scene as warm and joyful, with Oba savoring the treats with gratitude in its eyes.

Amidst the challenges faced by frontline medical staff, Taipei Veterans General Hospital is organizing a free concert by Hsiao Huang-chi and a screening of the Japanese anime "Slam Dunk" on March 14 and 21. These events aim to provide stress relief for employees and their families, highlighting the importance of happiness in healthcare. Dr. Chen emphasized that without happy employees, it is impossible to provide warm and caring medical services.