A pup named Panda is helping to make life much more “bear-able” for dozens of people in his new role as a therapy pet.
Owner Kris Colledge, from Bishop Auckland, was inspired to have his Old English Bulldog specially trained for the role – after witnessing the “magic” animals can work.
“I first came across therapy dogs when I was a patient at West Park Hospital in Darlington a few years ago. They brought a bit of the outside inside for us,” he said.
“People bond over dogs. They put a smile on your face and encourage people to open up. I bonded over the dogs with one fellow patient, and we’re still pals today.”
Paw-some pup leading the pack
Kris, 46, has struggled with his mental health since childhood – but Panda is helping to brighten up his own life – as well as the lives of many others.
“I always had dogs when growing up, and loved them, but I couldn’t have one for years because I was in and out of hospital and supported accommodation,” he said.
“That’s why seeing the therapy dogs when I was a patient at West Park was so special. They cheered us all up, gave us something to talk about and to fuss over.”
Once Kris left hospital, and was settled in his own little bungalow, the former heavy goods driver made the decision to get himself a dog – and train it to help others.
His ambitions were helped by Linda Sloan, an involvement and engagement facilitator with our Trust, who put him in touch with one of our pet therapy volunteers.
“When Kris contacted our team to express an interest in getting involved, I gave him a ring and we really connected over our shared love of dogs,” she said.
“I’ve worked on wards with therapy dogs and know just how much good they do. I thought it was a fabulous idea for him to get involved and I’m so pleased it’s worked out so well.”
Animal magic brings smiles to faces
Kris currently takes Panda on regular visits to a local care home and, in the near future, he hopes to expand their volunteering visits to a nearby hospital too.
“Panda helps keep my mind occupied, gets me motivated and stops me dwelling on things. He has really helped my anxiety too, and I feel more at ease now,” he said.
“I know just how good Panda is for my mental health, and I wanted others to benefit too. People’s faces light up when they see him, he brings comfort to so many.”
Visits by therapy dogs have been a popular tradition at our Trust for many years and, in just the past 12 months, the number of paw-some volunteers has almost doubled.
Kris is a keen believer in the therapeutic power of animals in hospital and care environments – and would love to see even more people, and dogs, get involved.
Looking to the future
“Everyone who meets Panda seems to love him, and he loves them too. He’s a big old softy and really enjoys the fuss people make over him,” he said.
“It’s amazing how far I’ve come – from seeing therapy dogs while in hospital to having one of my own. Now I’m the one helping to put a smile on people’s faces.
“If you have a dog who loves people, I’d really recommend looking into therapy pets. It brings people such happiness – and gives you a real sense of achievement too.
- Are you interested in volunteering with your dog for hospital visits across TEWV sites? If so, please contact [email protected].
