Tails are wagging at Yeovil Hospital

TAILS are wagging on wards at Yeovil District Hospital which has recruited two-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Louis, with his owner Gill Stonard as volunteer visitors.

Louis is the second Pets As Therapy dog recruited by the hospital in the last year and both dogs visit patients regularly.

Since starting their visits, Louis and Gill have seen a stroke patient who wasn’t able to raise his arm actually reach out to Louis and a lady who had been an inpatient for a number of days after her stroke, speak for the first time.

Gill said: “I am so proud of Louis, he is perfect for this role and we really enjoy our visits to the wards, both patients and the staff benefit from the visits and we always receive a warm welcome.

“Patients often feel isolated and even the most withdrawn seem to open up and let the barriers down when their regular P.A.T dog is around.

‘’These dogs bring everyday life closer and remind patients of their home comforts. The constant companionship of an undemanding animal, that gives unconditional love, can be one of the most missed aspects of their stay. Pets As Therapy was formed to help make this more bearable and speed recovery.”

Helen Ryan, director of nursing at YeovilHospital, said: “We have started using PAT dogs as the responses from some patients have been brilliant and some of our patients have shown to improve after the visits.”

Louis is a qualified Pets As Therapy dog. All P.A.T dogs are required to pass an assessment to check their temperament by accredited assessors or qualified vets and be fully vaccinated, and health protected.

Pets As Therapy are always looking for more volunteers to join their organisation find out more please visit their website www.petsastherapy.org  or contact reception@petsastherapy.org .

PHOTO: Patient Stanley Hallett with Louis.

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