Rehabilitation patients at Peel Health Campus were treated to a surprise visit from Lump the puppet dog earlier this month.
Lump and his puppeteers took time out from their nationwide tour of Picasso and His Dog, which took to the stage at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, to interact with patients at the hospital.
The Picasso and His Dog show is set in 1957 and based on the true story of Pablo Picasso and his resident dachshund, Lump.
The story explores the deep love the pair shared and the art inspired by their wonderful friendship.
MPAC chief executive Guy Boyce said he hoped the performance brought joy to patients.
"It was a rare show that appealed across all ages," he said.
"Young children tend to love puppets but the older generation are often equally enthused."
Read more:
Peel Health Campus rehabilitation unit clinical nurse specialist Jane Byrne said the visit prompted lengthy discussions among older adults on the rehabilitation ward.
"It certainly generated a great deal of interaction among the group, which is very important among older patients - particularly those on the rehabilitation ward who have usually been in hospital for longer periods," she said.
Gertrude 'Gerty' Keonig, who is a patient in the rehabilitation ward, said she enjoyed the performance and the artistry of the puppeteer.
"The puppeteers were very clever and made the dog come alive," she said.
