The care dog Astrid happily reunites Björn Palm after the death of his partner

One sunny afternoon in September, Björn Palm, Sara Gripenbrand and the care dog Astrid are reunited. It has been a little more than six months since Björn's partner died of cancer.

- It feels great to meet Astrid again, says Björn, who is back in the department for the first time since the death of his partner.

Björn, who now lives in Gnesta, says that the meeting with Astrid meant a lot to him.

- Then I calmed down. One could relax for a moment. This should be available at every healthcare institution, he says.

Watch the reunion and hear Björn tell more about what the meeting meant to his wife Kerstin in the clip above.

The dog must meet requirements

Astrid is a four-year-old Australian Labradoodle. Her handler, Sara Gripenbrand, was inspired by another service dog crew and decided to train Astrid as a service dog. Astrid has now worked as a care dog for just over a year.

To become a care dog, the dog must meet several requirements. First, it undergoes suitability tests, then a roughly one-year long training awaits.

- You look at several things. The dog must be able to walk obediently on a leash, be social and not be afraid of loud noises. It should also be able to gently take sweets out of the hand, says Sara Gripenbrand, who works together with Astrid in the department.

"Will be a happy moment"

A care dog must also know at least five different exercises and adapt them to the patient's needs. Astrid can, among other things, roll a dice, fetch and tug of war. She can also stand on a stool, so that patients in wheelchairs can pet her more easily.

- It will be a happy moment and something that is very much appreciated. It often brings spontaneous joy in the middle of everything, says Sara.

Hear Sara tell more about what working as a care dog entails in the clip above.