October 20, 2025, 2:48 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
For over 15 years, ZDF host Dunja Hayali has been a patron for VITA Assistance Dogs e.V., an organization that opens new life paths for people with disabilities through specially trained dogs. At the charity dinner for the 25th anniversary, Hayali told PETBOOK why this connection is “priceless” and what we can learn from our four-legged companions.
PETBOOK: Ms. Hayali, you have supported VITA Assistance Dogs e.V. for many years. Do you recall a special moment that showed you how deep the connection between humans and assistance dogs can be?
Dunja Hayali: “There are many such moments. One experience and change represents almost all Vita teams. Almost all have experienced not being part of society, being marginalized, due to physical or mental limitations. This barrier often dissolves through the companion dog. The shame, the mental barrier, the ‘looking through a person’ disappears because the dog builds the bridge.
So anyone who thinks the dogs only literally open doors is mistaken and underestimates the invaluable benefit of these companions. Life becomes worth living again for many here, especially children. And when you see someone suddenly blossom because of the dog, it’s just incredible. Incredibly beautiful. Frida, for example, who was severely spastic as a child, could hardly speak, and now sits here giving speeches. It’s almost unbelievable.”
“Golden Retrievers are just my type of dog”
When you look at the dog-human teams of Vita e.V., you notice that many of the dogs are Golden Retrievers. Do you have one intentionally?
“Somehow, these dogs have accompanied me throughout my life. As a child, I walked the neighbor’s Golden Retriever and earned a little money. Back then, I didn’t know that a Golden Retriever was a purebred dog. When I decided that one should accompany me permanently, it was clear what kind it would be. I’m just not a rescuer, unfortunately. I admire everyone who does that.
But I would be overwhelmed for many reasons. Too impatient, sometimes too quick-tempered. I wouldn’t do the dog justice. And then no one would be happy—neither the dog nor I. You should really think about who suits you and what you can truly handle. I try to balance my, let’s say, somewhat guilty conscience by donating to animal welfare and engaging as a patron for Vita. That way, I can help in my own way.”
“Dogs are not toys you can throw in the corner”
You have a very demanding job. How do you manage to balance work and dog ownership—and what advice do you have for others who want a dog despite a full schedule?
“When you decide to share your life with a dog, you must be clear: They don’t move out. They don’t go to school, they don’t study, they stay. You are responsible—always. Love is important, sure. But it’s not enough. You need time, you need money. The dog costs in acquisition, at the vet, for food, and if you, like me, travel a lot for work, you also need someone to take care of them when you’re away.
Of course, I have friends who are happy to do it occasionally, but I also need a reliable and trustworthy place where Wilma can always go. And fortunately, I have that. And it costs, too. I do leave Wilma alone for a few hours, but that’s it. Anyone who brings a companion into their home should see them as such—and not leave them alone too often or for too long. Dogs are not toys you can throw in the corner and take out whenever it suits you.”
“Without My Dog, I Wouldn’t Be Sitting Here Today”
Social pedagogue: “An assistance dog can often achieve more than a person”
“Wilma is simply everything”
What does your current dog, Wilma, mean to you—and how does she differ from your previous dog, Emma?
“Wilma is somehow everything. Companion, jester, soul comforter. She is very sensitive and perceptive. If I’m not feeling well, she notices immediately—sometimes before I do. Then she comes, lays her head on my lap. Then I usually take a deep breath, and that helps a bit. And although she is a peace project, I know she would defend me against anything and anyone. The best part, however, is that she doesn’t judge me superficially. A dog sees you as you are. Plus, there’s the unconditional love, especially since she knows I’m the key to the fridge (laughs).”
“Less ego, more love”
What could we as a society learn from dogs?
“Clearly: less ego, more empathy, more love, decency, and sometimes distance. Dogs don’t judge; they accept you as you are. If we humans could adopt just a bit of that, many things would be easier—and more beautiful.”