Smiles as loveable pets provide therapy

Ethel Davies can't hide her smile as Sam the flatcoated retriever sits patiently so she can stroke his back.

The 88-year-old is a resident at Ashcroft Hollow Nursing Home, Huntington, and says she looks forward to his visits.

"When I was a little girl I used to be frightened of dogs, but you can't be scared of Sam – he is like a good friend," she says. "It is nice to stroke him as his fur is soft and it does make you smile when he walks over to you." Sam is one of the many animals in Staffordshire to be part of Pets As Therapy.

PAT is a national charity founded in 1983 that provides therapeutic visits to hospitals, care homes, special needs schools and other venues, using friendly, temperament-tested and vaccinated dogs and cats.

Every week these calm, friendly animals give more than 126,000 people, both young and old, the pleasure and chance to cuddle and talk to them.

Bernard Perry, aged 65, is Sam's owner and has been volunteering with PAT for almost four years.

"I got involved with Pets As Therapy because my wife Katherine was a volunteer," says former Arriva bus driver Bernard, of Silverthorne Way, Stafford.

"I have become area co-ordinator and dog assessor for Staffordshire and we have 60 volunteers covering areas from Cannock and Penkridge to Rugeley, Stoke and Leek."

Bernard also takes Sam to Sister Dora's, in Milford, Maple Lodge, in Stafford, and Longbridge Nursing Home in Penkridge.

Sam also visits a psychiatrist's in Walsall where he helps a young girl get over her fear of dogs.

Eighty-one year old Tina Ross says she can tell that Sam is a clever dog.

"I like to see Sam and I can tell that he looks around everyone and spots who is looking a bit sad," she says.

"He will go over to them and lick their hand or stand next to them so they can stroke him and instantly it makes them feel happy."

Research backs up the work done by Pets As Therapy visitors.

Staff at nursing homes and hospitals have said that those people most in need of a little extra boost can gain in through the PAT animals.

Pam Williams, matron of Ashcroft Hollow Nursing Home ,says PAT is a wonderful scheme.

"It brightens up the residents as they love to see the animals," she says.