Buffy is a two-year-old service dog trained to detect the Covid-19 virus in patients. The fantastic canine trained at Southeastern Guide Dogs, a nonprofit organization in Florida that breeds, raises, and trains elite guide dogs, service dogs, and skilled companion dogs.
Buffy’s training is part of a smell detection pilot program that examines 20 to 40 hospital visitors. The fantastic canine can tell within seconds whether someone is Covid positive simply by sniffing their feet.
Since April 2021, Buffy has aided in increasing the efficiency and security of the Covid testing process in hospitals. While swab testing and temperature monitoring are a regular part of the screening, Buffy’s skills are crucial, especially with the recent rise in positive cases in Florida.
According to Bob Meade, CEO of Doctors Hospital, Buffy detects Covid-19 with a 95% accuracy rate. If Buffy smells a patient’s feet and lies to them, they are Covid-positive. On the other hand, she walks past the person if they are negative.
The dog trainer, Grace Welsby, trained Buffy three times a week before her first immersion at the hospital. She also regularly rewards her with a treat for a job well done.
Within her first week at the hospital, Buffy successfully detected a Covid-positive patient, unaware they had the virus. The hospital staff immediately transported the patient to the emergency for testing, and the patient confirmed that Buffy was correct.
Buffy’s work goes beyond her exceptional Covid-19 detection skills. She also provides emotional support to patients and medical personnel on days with fewer hospital visitors. However, Buffy can only mingle with them in the lobby once they finish screening and test negative.
Nonetheless, Buffy can charm and cheer people even from afar. Everyone describes her as a sweet and loving dog during off-hours. We can only dream that more people could use a dog’s reassuring presence like Buffy’s during this challenging time.
Watch Buffy’s special feature by watching this video:
Source: AnimalSphere via YouTube
