How Ralf the Schnauzer helps ailing toddlers to walk again

He may not be able to talk, but Ralf the giant Schnauzer knows exactly how to get poorly children walking again.

Ever since the pooch was introduced at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, he has been working miracles by getting kids back on their feet after their operations.

Among the schnauzer’s list of patients is two-year-old Claire Couwenberg, who he helped after she underwent kidney surgery.


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The caring canine has also brought a smile to 15-month-old Zeke Harrison, who has a rare genetic disorder where his body is unable to break down protein.

So Ralf can be easily identified on the wards he must wear a specially-made photo ID around his collar.

He’s one of a handful of dogs who visit the children’s ward each week.